WIGHT  IDEAS 


C|5 


0 

iM 


ifggy 

||  ENTERTAINING  k 

■if 


W 


0 


nrt 
J$i 

MRS.HERBERT B.UNSCOTT 


THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  ILLINOIS 
LIBRARY 


7^3 
LGS  b 


k 

\% 


REMOTE  STORAGE 


Return  this  book  on  or  before  the 
Latest  Date  stamped  below.  A 
charge  is  made  on  all  overdue 
books.  y of  j Library 


Mkf  1 6 194  J 


Mrif  k u IS*- 

JAN  29  1942 

m 3i  m 

NOU  16  !3  t2 

JAN  H I3‘  3 

HOL'  23  1346 

;;  . * 7 r;  > 

i 

sun  - i 1 34 

J|/*  t - 

- JL  £ > 

NOU  -6  m 

M''P 


6 r*  ' o. 

* o L O O 


17625-S 


THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  ILLINOIS 
LIBRARY 

LGSb 

t4 

REMOTE  STORAGE 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2017  with  funding  from 

University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign  Alternates 


https://archive.org/details/brightideasforen00lins_0 


REMOTE  STORAGE 

BRIGHT  IDEAS 


FOR 


ENTERTAINING 


Two  hundred  forms  of  amusement  or  entertainment  for 
social  gatherings  of  all  kinds  : large  or  small  parties , 
clubs , sociables , church  entertainments , etc . ; with 
special  suggestions  for  birthdays , wedding  anni- 
versaries, Hallow  e'  en,  All  Fools ’ Day , Christmas 
Day , Afczp  I'ear's  Eve,  and  other  holidays . 


By 


MRS.  HERBERT  B.  LINSCOTT 


•v 


PHILADELPHIA 


GEORGE  W.  JACOBS  & CO, 


PUBLISHERS 


Copyright,  1905,  by 
Mrs.  Herbert  B.  Linscott 
Published  July , IQ05 

Reprinted  in  October,  November,  December,  1905 
April,  December,  1906. 


Thirty  articles  appearing  in  this  book  have  been  taken  from 
The  Ladies’  Home  Journal,”  to  which  the  author  gratefully 
acknowledges  permission  to  reprint  them. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 


ACTING  PROVERBS 

In  this  game  the  company  may  be  divided  into  actors 
and  spectators.  The  actors  are  each  given  a proverb, 
which  they  are  to  act  alone  in  pantomime. 

The  first  player  may  come  into  the  room  where  the 
spectators  are  waiting,  with  a sprinkler  in  one  hand  and  a 
cup  in  the  other.  He  begins  sprinkling  the  flowers,  then 
he  pours  water  over  them,  acting  the  proverb,  “It  never 
rains  but  it  pours.’ ’ 

The  second  actor  also  brings  a cup  of  water.  He  re- 
peatedly attempts  to  drink  from  the  cup,  which  keeps 
slipping  from  his  fingers  as  he  brings  it  near  his  mouth. 
“ There’s  many  a slip  between  the  cup  and  the  lip.” 

The  third  brings  in  a purse  containing  brass  buttons, 
which  he  takes  out  and  counts  over  deliberately.  Then 
he  looks  at  them  closely,  and  with  seeming  distrust,  finally 
flinging  them  from  him  in  a rage.  “All  is  not  gold  that 
glitters.” 

The  fourth  actor  appears  with  a stone,  which  he  rolls  all 
about  the  room.  Then  he  examines  it  critically  and 
shakes  his  head  dubiously.  “ A rolling  stone  gathers  no 
moss.” 

The  next  actor  brings  in  a bundle  of  hay  and  tosses  it 
about  with  his  fork,  which  he  carries  for  the  purpose, 
looking  up  frequently  at  an  imaginary  sky.  “ Make  hay 
while  the  sun  shines.” 

This  game  is  more  interesting  if  spectators  are  furnished 
with  slips  of  paper  and  pencils,  that  they  may  write  down 

3 

I 059086 


4 Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

their  guessing  of  each  proverb  when  the  actor  passes  from 
the  room,  to  be  followed  by  another. 


ADVERTISEMENT  ITEMS 

Cut  out  pictures  from  advertisements  ; for  instance,  from 
“ Quaker  Oats,”  cut  out  the  Quaker,  but  nothing  that  will 
tell  what  it  represents.  Have  a number  of  them  and  paste 
on.  plain  white  paper.  Number  each  ad,  and  keep  a 
“key”  to  them  yourself.  Furnish  paper  and  pencil  to 
each  guest  and  have  them  guess  what  each  picture  repre- 
sents. The  one  who  guesses  the  most  receives  a prize. 
Also  request  every  one  to  write  an  advertisement  on  some 
article. 

Still  another  form  of  the  game  is  for  each  person  to 
choose  his  theme  for  an  advertisement,  and  write  it  with- 
out naming  the  article.  He  will  read  his  advertisement, 
and  the  company  must  guess  what  article  he  is  advertising. 
A variation  of  this  game  is  to  distribute  papers,  allowing  a 
few  minutes  for  examining  them,  and  then  let  each  player 
describe  some  article  as  nearly  as  possible  in  the  language  of 
its  printed  advertisement,  with,  of  course,  such  changes  as 
will  serve  to  divert  the  company,  and  give  the  rest  an  op- 
portunity to  guess  what  advertisement  he  has  been  reading. 
Of  course  the  article  should  not  be  named  in  the  course  of 
the  description. 


ALL  ABOUT  KATE 

This  game  will  furnish  amusement  at  an  evening  enter- 
tainment, but  may  also  be  played  after  a ladies’  luncheon. 
The  questions,  on  sheets  of  paper  with  spaces  allowed  for 
the  answers,  are  distributed,  and  fifteen  minutes  given  for 
answering  them.  Each  answer  is  composed  of  one  word 
ending  with  the  letters  c-a-t-e ; for  instance  : Kate  is  a 
good  pleader  (advo-cate).  When  fifteen  minutes  have 
elapsed  each  player  signs  her  name  and  passes  her  paper 


5 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

to  the  person  on  her  right.  The  answers  are  then  read, 
and  the  player  having  the  most  correct  answers  wins  a 
prize. 

Questions  — 

1.  Kate  is  a good  pleader. 

2.  Kate  judges  judicially. 

3.  Kate  is  apt  to  use  other  people’s  money  wrong- 
fully. 

4.  Kate  is  very  frail. 

5.  Kate  sometimes  gets  out  of  joint. 

6.  Kate  makes  everything  double. 

7.  Kate  loves  to  teach. 

8.  Kate  takes  out  ink  spots. 

9.  Kate  helps  people  out  of  difficulties. 

10.  Kate  is  good  at  constructing. 

11.  Kate  gives  a pledge  of  security. 

12.  Kate  sometimes  invokes  evil. 

13.  Kate  is  perplexing;  hard  to  understand. 

14.  Kate  often  prays  earnestly. 

15.  Kate  makes  wheels  run  easily. 

16.  Kate  uses  her  teeth. 

17.  Kate  is  not  always  truthful. 

18.  Kate  can  foretell  events. 

19.  Kate  makes  an  affirmative. 

20.  Kate  gets  smothered. 

21.  Kate  points  out  clearly. 

22.  Kate  makes  business  combinations. 

23.  Kate  goes  into  the  country. 

24.  Kate  will  now  move  out. 


Advocate. 

7- 

Educate. 

Adjudicate. 

8. 

Eradicate. 

Defalcate. 

9- 

Extricate. 

Delicate. 

10. 

Fabricate. 

Dislocate. 

11. 

Hypothecate. 

Duplicate. 

12. 

Imprecate, 

6 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 


13.  Intricate. 

14.  Supplicate. 

15.  Lubricate. 

16.  Masticate. 

17.  Prevaricate. 

18.  Prognosticate. 


19.  Predicate. 

20.  Suffocate. 

21.  Indicate. 

22.  Syndicate. 

23.  Rusticate. 

24.  Vacate. 


APPLE  SOCIABLE 

Cards  are  sent  out  with  the  following : 

Come  to  the  Apple  Social  and  see  who  gets  the 
B—A—P 
L—A—P 
N—A—P 

Social  given  unde r the  auspices  of  the 
East  End  Connett  Y.  W.  C.  T.  U.y 
Monday  evening , Sept.  10 , 1905 

Have  cards  printed  with  a letter  on  each  one,  forming 
the  names  of  various  apples;  for  instance,  B-A-L-D-W-I-N 
and  G-R-E-E-N-I-N  G.  Have  as  many  letters  of  one 
color  made  as  there  are  letters  in  the  name  of  the  apple, 
and  have  each  group  of  letters  a separate  color.  These 
are  passed  to  the  guests,  after  which  each  one  proceeds  to 
find  the  rest  of  the  letters  colored  like  the  one  he  holds, 
and  when  the  group  is  complete,  the  holders  of  the  letters 
proceed  to  spell  out  the  name  of  their  apple.  Each  group 
then  composes  an  original  poem  on  its  apple.  The  poems 
are  read  to  the  audience,  then  the  prize  of  B — A — P (big 
apple  pie)  is  given  to  the  best  poem,  L — A — P (little  apple 
pie)  to  the  poorest,  and  N — A — P (no  apple  pie)  to  the 
group  who  composes  no  poem.  All  kinds  of  apples  are 
served  for  refreshments. 


APRIL  FOOL  DINNER 

The  dinner  I shall  serve  will  be  plain  and  substantial, 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  7 

but  it  may  be  as  elaborate  as  one  chooses.  Following  is 
the  menu  : 

Vegetable  Soup  Pickles  Crackers 

Roast  Beef  Mashed  Potatoes  Brown  Gravy 

Celery  Stewed  Peas  Tomatoes 
Bread  Butter  Tea  Cheese  Jelly 
Cream  Pie. 

When  the  dinner  is  all  ready  to  serve  the  fun  will  begin. 
Imagine  the  surprise  of  the  guests  when  they  sit  down  to 
the  table,  to  find  the  soup  served  in  teacups,  the  pickles 
shining  forth  from  the  sugar-bowl  and  the  crackers  in  a 
covered  vegetable  dish.  The  roast  beef  will  be  cut  in 
slices  and  arranged  on  a silver  cake  dish,  the  mashed 
potatoes  in  a dainty  glass  berry  dish,  and  the  gravy  in 
small  individual  sauce  dishes.  The  stewed  peas  will  be 
served  from  the  water-pitcher  in  glass  tumblers,  the  celery 
on  the  bread-plate,  bread  in  the  salad  bowl,  butter  on  the 
celery  tray,  and  the  tea  in  soup  bowls.  The  jelly  will  be 
placed  on  the  largest  meat  platter  and  served  with  the 
carving-knife,  the  cheese  in  the  gravy  dish,  and  finally  the 
pie  on  large  dinner  plates. 

The  sugar  will  appear  in  the  cracker  jar  together  with 
the  gravy-ladle,  and  the  cream  in  the  china  teapot.  The 
salt  will  be  found  in  the  mustard  cup,  the  pepper  alone 
remaining  as  it  should  be.  Water  must  necessarily  be 
served  at  the  dinner,  but  even  this  will  not  be  in  the 
usual  manner.  I shall  serve  it  in  the  after  dinner  coffee 
cups. 

The  soup  must  be  eaten  with  teaspoons,  as  the  larger 
ones  will  be  reserved  for  the  tea. 


APRIL  FOOL  PARTY 

Invitations  may  be  copied  after  a dance  card  of  a 
“Comus”  ball  at  New  Orleans,  which  represents  a large- 


8 Bright  Ideas  tor  Entertaining 

sized  gilt  folly  bell  with  ribbons  attached.  On  arriving, 
each  guest  is  given  a favor,  which  may  serve  also  as  a score 
marker.  These  are  follies,  heads,  capped  and  ruffled  and 
fastened  to  a stick,  which  has  ribbons  wrapped  around  it. 
The  colors  of  these  ribbons,  not  more  than  two  being  alike, 
determine  partners.  An  attached  tiny  square  of  paste- 
board, bearing  a painted  number,  directs  to  the  tables. 
Instead  of  playing  one  game  only,  a variety  of  games  are 
introduced.  At  the  head,  or  “Hearts,”  table  is  a large- 
sized tally-ho  horn,  tied  with  a profusion  of  motley  colors. 
At  the  conclusion  of  the  game,  the  defeated  ones  blow  the 
horn  and  the  winners  at  all  the  tables  are  given  little  brass 
bells  to  tie  upon  the  folly  sticks  or  baubles.  The  prizes, 
both  head  and  booby,  are  fools’  caps  of  white  crepe  paper 
with  huge  red  rosettes. 

The  refreshments  should  be  as  deceiving  as  possible. 
One  hostess  at  an  April  first  dinner  went  so  far  as  to  serve 
the  entire  course  backwards,  beginning  with  ice  cream  and 
ending  with  soup.  Or  a very  suitable  menu  may  be  served 
in  strange  and  unusual  guise  : potato  salad  arranged  as 
cream  puffs ; English  walnut  shells  as  receptacles  for  olives  ; 
sandwiches  as  slices  of  cake  with  nut  filling ; ice  cream  as 
croquettes,  cone-shaped  and  plentifully  sprinkled  with 
toasted  cake-crumbs ; cake  as  sandwiches,  with  ice  cream 
between  and  tied  with  ribbon ; coffee  served  in  bouillon 
cups  ; bonbons  served  in  exact  size  artificial  fruit.  Among 
the  bona-fide  dainties  may  be  “April  fool  ” bonbons — 
“chocolate  creams”  stuffed  with  cotton,  button-moulds 
covered  with  chocolate,  and  round,  yellow  pill-boxes  filled 
with  flour,  iced  to  represent  small  cakes. 

After  the  refreshments  the  hostess  may  say  that  she  has 
a picture  to  show  which  she  has  just  received  and  which 
has  given  her  much  pleasure.  A curtain  is  hung  before 
it,  which,  when  withdrawn  with  grave  ceremony,  reveals  a 
mirror  reflecting  the  expectant  faces  of  the  guests,  while 
on  its  surface,  written  with  soap,  are  the  words  “April 
Fool ! ” 


9 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

AUTHORS’  CONTEST 

Questions  to  be  answered  by  giving  in  each  case  the 
name  of  a well-known  author  : 

1.  A name  that  means  such  fiery  things,  you  can’t  de- 
scribe their  pains  and  stings.  (Burns.) 

2.  What  a rough  man  said  to  his  son,  when  he  wished 
him  to  eat  properly.  (Chaucer.) 

2.  Pilgrims  and  flatterers  have  knelt  low  to  kiss  him. 
(Pope.) 

4.  Makes  and  mends  for  first-class  customers.  (Taylor.) 

5 . Represents  the  dwellings  of  civilized  men.  (Holmes. ) 

6.  Is  worn  on  the  head.  (Hood.) 

7.  A chain  of  hills  covering  a dark  treasure.  (Cole- 
ridge.) 

8.  A brighter  and  smarter  than  the  other.  (Whittier.) 

9.  A worker  in  precious  metals.  (Goldsmith.) 

10.  A vital  part  of  the  body.  (Hart.) 

11.  A disagreeable  fellow  to  have  on  one’s  foot. 
(Bunyan.) 

12.  Meat,  what  are  you  doing  in  the  oven  ? (Browning.) 


AUTHORS’  GUESSING  GAME 

1.  When  we  leave  here  we  go  to  seek  our  what  ? (Au- 
thor of  “ Elsie  Venner.”) 

2.  What  dies  only  with  life?  (Author  of  “Phroso.”) 

3.  What  does  a maid’s  heart  crave?  (Author  of 
“ Handy  Andy.”) 

4.  What  does  an  angry  person  often  raise  ? (Author 
of  “ The  Christian.”) 

5.  What  should  all  literary  people  do?  (Author  of 
“ Put  Yourself  in  His  Place.”) 

6.  If  a young  man  would  win,  what  must  he  do  ? (Au- 
thor of  “ Wandering  Jew.”) 

7.  How  do  we  dislike  to  grow  ? (Authors  of  “ Silence 
of  Dean  Maitland  ” and  “ Dawn.”) 


lo  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

8.  What  would  we  prefer  to  be?  (Authors  of  “Book 
of  Golden  Deeds,”  “Man  Without  a Country,”  and 
“Under  the  Greenwood  Tree.”) 

9.  What  is  a suitable  adjective  for  the  national  library 
building  ? (Author  of  “ The  Heavenly  Twins.”) 

10.  What  would  we  consider  the  person  who  answers 
correctly  all  these  questions?  (Author  of  “From  Post  to 
Finish.”) 

The  answers  to  the  above  questions  are : 

1.  Oliver  Wendell  Holmes.  (Homes.) 

2.  Anthony  Hope.  (Hope.) 

3.  Samuel  Lover.  (Lover.) 

4.  Hall  Caine.  (Cain.) 

5.  Charles  Reade.  (Read.) 

6.  Eugene  Sue.  (Sue.) 

7.  Maxwell  Grey  and  Rider  Haggard.  (Gray  and 
haggard.) 

8.  Charlotte  Yonge,  E.  E.  Hale,  Thomas  Hardy. 
(Young,  hale  and  hardy.) 

9.  Sarah  Grande.  (Grand.) 

10.  Hawley  Smart.  (Smart.) 

Give  the  most  successful  contestant  a nicely  bound  copy 
of  the  latest  popular  book,  and  the  least  successful  one  a 
gaily  colored  copy  of  a child’s  primer,  or  a gaudy  poster 
picture. 


AUTHORS’  VERBAL  GAME 

This  is  an  interesting  and  instructive  game.  The  play- 
ers seat  themselves  so  as  to  form  a ring.  An  umpire  and 
a score-keeper  are  appointed,  and  each  player  in  turn  rises 
and  announces  the  name  of  a well-known  book.  The  one 
who  first  calls  out  the  name  of  the  author  of  the  book 
scores  a point ; the  one  who  has  the  largest  score  when  the 
game  ceases  is  the  victor,  and  may  be  given  a prize.  This 
game  may  be  varied  by  the  naming  of  well-known  authors, 
leaving  the  titles  of  books,  by  these  authors,  to  be  supplied. 


11 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

And  it  may  be  played  in  yet  another  way.  Give  each 
player  a pencil  and  paper,  and  instead  of  calling  aloud  the 
title  of  a book,  as  each  author  is  announced,  ask  the  play- 
ers to  write  on  a slip  of  paper  the  name  of  the  author,  the 
title  of  a book  by  that  author,  and  the  name  of  a character 
in  the  book.  Thus : 

1.  Oliver  Goldsmith — “ She  Stoops  to  Conquer/’  Miss 
Hardcastle. 

2.  Harriet  Beecher  Stowe — “ Uncle  Tom’s  Cabin,” 
Miss  Ophelia. 

3.  William  Shakespeare — “ Romeo  and  Juliet,”  Tybalt. 

If  the  game  be  played  in  this  way  the  scores  will  proba- 
bly be  close. 


“ B ” SOCIABLE 

Be  sure  to  come  to  the  home  of 
Brother  Linscott  next  Monday  eve, 

Because  we  will  insure  you  a good  time 
By  the  enjoyment  of  our  “B  ” social. 

Busy  Bees. 


Busy  Bees’  bill  o’  fare : 

Bread.  Butter. 

Baked  beans.  Beets. 

Beef.  Batter  cake. 

Baked  potatoes.  Bologna. 

Boiled  pudding.  Bananas. 

Boston’s  overthrow.  Brown  bread. 

This  can  be  changed  to  suit  any  other  letter  and  the  in- 
vitations may  be  worded  as  desired.  Have  tiny  boxes, 
barrels,  bags,  and  baskets  filled  with  candy,  fruit,  or  nuts, 
for  souvenirs. 


If  it  is  desired  to  make  money,  a price  may  be  placed 
upon  each  article  of  food,  and  the  souvenirs  may  be  offered 
for  sale. 


12 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

BARN  PARTY 

Miss  Gertrude  S.  Derr 
requests  the  pleasure  of  your  company 
at  a Barn  Party , 

Monday  evening , August  12 , 1905, 
on  Water  Road , 

Shortsville , New  York 


Arranging  for  the  Party 

To  insure  the  success  of  such  a party,  a moonlight  night 
should  be  selected.  The  bam  chosen  should  be  large,  the 
floor  space  ample,  and  the  decorations  lavish.  They  may 
consist  of  green  boughs,  vines  and  goldenrod,  and  a num- 
ber of  American  flags. 

The  two  large  opposite  doors  should  be  thrown  wide 
open  for  free  circulation  of  air.  The  floor  should  then  be 
cleared,  swept  and  washed.  High  up  over  one  door  a 
large  flag  may  be  draped,  and  wires  stretched  across  from 
beam  to  beam,  away  from  direct  draughts,  upon  which 
Japanese  lanterns  may  be  hung,  care  being  taken  that  none 
are  allowed  to  come  into  contact  with  the  bunting  in  case 
of  one’s  taking  fire.  Chairs  should  also  be  provided,  and  a 
rope  stretched  across  one  side  of  the  open  space,  on  the 
farther  side  of  which  place  a table.  On  this  table  place  a 
large  bowl  of  soapsuds,  into  which  a spoonful  of  glycerine 
has  been  put,  and  by  its  side  place  half  as  many  pipes  as 
there  are  to  be  guests.  Prepare  half  as  many  cards  also  as 
there  are  to  be  guests,  and  write  across  the  full  length  of 
each  card  the  name  of  an  agricultural  implement,  as  hay- 
rake,  hay-cutter,  pitchfork,  hoe,  spade,  scythe,  sickle, 
mower,  plow,  reaper,  binder,  seeder.  On  the  reverse  side 
each  card  should  be  numbered  at  the  top,  and  a question 
written  concerning  the  implement  named  on  it ; besides 
this  the  number  and  another  query  should  be  written  upon 
the  lower  half.  Questions  like  the  following  will  answer  : 


*3 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

No.  i.  What  is  the  true  mission  of  a harrow? 

No.  i.  Can  you  tell  a harrowing  tale? 

No.  2.  What  is  a hoe  used  for  ? 

No.  2.  What  is  a good  receipt  for  hoe  cake? 

The  cards  should  then  be  cut  in  halves,  and  the  match- 
ing of  them  will  determine  partners  for  the  bubble  blowing 
contest.  The  answering  of  the  questions  will  also  afford 
much  amusement  throughout  the  evening. 


BASEBALL  PARTY 

A novel  party  was  recently  given  by  a mother  to  cele- 
brate the  sixteenth  birthday  of  her  only  son.  She  had 
been  rather  envious  of  her  friends  in  their  happiness  of 
planning  many  luncheons  and  other  pretty  affairs  for  their 
girls,  consequently  she  entered  heart  and  soul  into  this 
party  for  her  boy,  sparing  neither  expense  nor  trouble  to 
make  it  a success.  It  was  announced  as  “ A Baseball 
Party/’  and  by  enlisting  the  services  of  a niece,  who  was 
very  enthusiastic  over  the  national  game,  she  was  able  to 
carry  out  the  idea. 

Eight  of  her  son’s  friends  were  invited,  who,  with  the 
boy  himself,  made  the  required  “nine.”  Luncheon  was 
first  served.  Before  going  into  the  dining-room  each  boy 
was  assigned  a place  on  the  “team,”  and  found  his  place 
at  the  table  accordingly.  In  place  of  name-cards  were 
tiny  “fans”  bearing  the  words  “catcher,”  “pitcher,” 
etc.,  and,  of  course,  each  guest  knew  just  where  to  sit. 

The  menu-cards  were  booklets  with  the  words  “ Official 
Score  ” written  on  the  covers.  The  menu  consisted  of 
nine  courses,  or  “innings,”  as  they  were  more  appropri- 
ately termed.  It  was  written  in  language  unintelligible  to 
the  average  feminine  mind,  but  the  boys  guessed  what 
many  of  the  viands  were  amid  much  merriment.  The 
reading  of  the  menu,  and  the  conjectures  as  to  what  the 
courses  would  be,  broke  up  any  stiffness  that  might  have 
resulted  from  nine  boys  lunching  together.  It  read  as 


14  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

follows — only  in  the  original  the  interpretations  were,  of 
course,  left  out : 

First  Inning 

First  strike  . (Oyster  cocktail) 

Second  Inning 

Where  the  losing  team  lands  , ......  (Soup) 


Third  Inning 

Caught  on  the  fly  ...  . (Small  trout  with  diamonds  of  crisp  toast) 
Fourth  Inning 

A sacrifice (Lamb  chops  with  potato  balls) 

Fifth  Inning 

A “ fowl  ball  ” (Chicken  croquettes  with  French  peas) 

Sixth  Inning 

The  umpire  when  we  lose  . . . (Lobster  salad  with  cheese  straws) 
Seventh  Inning 

A fine  diamond  . . . (Ice  cream  in  diamond-shaped  slices.  Cakes) 
Eighth  Inning 


Necessary  for  good  playing 

(Preserved  ginger  with  wafers  and  coffee) 
Ninth  Inning 

Everybody  scores (The  passing  of  favors) 

The  favors  consisted  of  a ticket  for  a ball  game  to  be 
played  on  the  local  grounds  that  afternoon  for  each  boy, 
and  a tin  horn  with  which  to  “root,”  as  the  boys  ex- 
pressed it. 

As  soon  as  the  luncheon  was  finished  the  nine  boys  de- 
parted in  great  glee  for  the  ball  grounds,  relieving  the 
hostess  of  the  responsibility  of  further  entertaining  them. 


BEAN  BAGS 

Make  twelve  or  fifteen  bags,  six  inches  square,  of  bed- 
ticking, and  loosely  fill  them  with  beans  which  have  been 
washed  and  dried  to  remove  all  dust. 

Appoint  two  leaders,  who  choose  sides*  arranging  the 
sides  in  lines  facing  each  other,  with  a small  table  at  each 
end  of  each  line. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  15 

The  bean  bags  being  equally  divided,  each  leader  de- 
posits his  share  upon  the  table  nearest  him.  Then,  at  a 
given  signal,  seizing  one  bag  at  a time  with  one  hand,  with 
the  other  he  starts  it  down  the  line,  each  player  passing  it 
to  the  next  until  all  the  bags  reach  the  last,  who  drops 
them  upon  the  table  at  his  end  of  the  line.  When  all  the 
bags  have  reached  this  table,  the  last  player,  seizing  each 
in  turn,  sends  them  back  up  the  line  to  the  leader,  who 
drops  them  upon  his  table.  Whichever  side  first  succeeds 
in  passing  all  the  bags  down  the  line  and  back,  wins  the 
round.  It  takes  five  rounds  to  make  a game,  so  that  three 
out  of  five  must  be  successful  for  the  winning  side. 

BEAN  SOCIABLE 

Have  you  ever  “ bean  11  to  a “ bean  11  sociable  ? If  not 
come  to  the  one  the  Connett  Y.  IV.  C.  T.  U.  are  having 
Monday  evening , September  1st . If  you  have  never 
e i bean  11  to  one  you  will  enjoy  the 

“ Bean  porridge  hot , 

Bean  porridge  cold , 

Bean  porridge  in  the  pot , 

Nine  days  old.11 

Supper  should  consist  of  baked  beans,  cold  and  hot, 
bean  porridge  or  soup,  brown  bread  and  butter,  and  pickles, 
tea  and  gingerbread. 

Bean  bags  to  go  with  this  sociable. 


BERRY  GUESSING  CONTEST 

1.  What  berry  is  red  when  it's  green  ? Blackberry. 

2.  “ “ “ used  for  making  ladies'  dresses? 

Mulberry. 

3.  “ “ “ found  on  the  grass?  Dewberry. 

4*  u “ “ a dunce?  Gooseberry. 


16  Bright  Ideas  tor  Entertaining 


5- 

6. 

7- 


a 


u 

u 


8. 

9- 

10. 

1 1. 
I 2. 


u 

u 

u 

a 

u 


“ irritating?  Raspberry. 

“ used  for  bedding  cattle  ? Strawberry. 
“ “ “ celebrating  a great  festival? 

Holly  berry. 

should  be  respected  for  its  age  ? Elderberry, 
is  melancholy  ? Blueberry. 

“ named  for  a month  ? Juneberry. 

“ used  in  sewing?  Thimbleberry. 

“ named  for  a bird?  Pigeonberry. 


BIBLE  CONTEST 


The  game  of  Bible  Contest  cards  can  be  played  very 
profitably  and  is  very  instructive.  It  can  be  found  in 
any  book  store  in  large  cities  or  can  be  had  of  the  United 
Society  of  Christian  Endeavor,  Boston,  Mass.  The  cost 
is  very  little.  Or  the  cards  may  be  written  out  as  follows  : 


1.  Give  the  first  and  last  words  of  the  Bible. 

2.  Whose  three  daughters  were  the  fairest  in  all  the 
land  ? 

3.  How  old  was  Methuselah  when  he  died? 

4.  Who  was  called  “a  ready  scribe  in  the  law  of 
Moses  ’1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8  9 10 11 ? 

5.  Give  the  names  of  the  three  persons  who  were  put 
in  the  fiery  furnace. 

6.  Who  was  the  author  of  the  expression,  “ What  hath 
God  wrought?  99 

7.  With  how  many  men  did  Gideon  conquer  the 
Midianites? 

8.  Who  was  Moses’  brother  ? 

9.  Who  went  down  into  a pit  on  a snowy  day  and 
slew  a lion  ? 

10.  Who  said  ‘‘The  harvest  is  past,  the  summer  is 
ended,  and  we  are  not  saved  99  ? 

1 1 . Who  was  the  mother  of  Samuel  ? 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

12.  Who  commanded  the  gates  of  Jerusalem  to  be 
closed  on  the  Sabbath  ? 

13.  Whose  flock  was  Moses  tending  when  he  saw  the 
burning  bush  ? 

1 4.  What  city  was  saved  from  famine  by  lepers? 

1 5 . Who  waxed  fat  and  kicked  ? 

Name.  No.  No. 

Have  the  cards  distributed  ; then  on  a given  signal  have 
the  answers  written  out ; as  fast  as  finished  have  them 
handed  in  to  be  examined  by  the  committee  who  after- 
ward returns  them.  The  first  blank  for  number  is  for  the 
order  in  which  the  cards  are  handed  in,  and  the  second 
for  the  order  of  correctness  of  the  answers. 


BIBLE  EVENING 

Here  is  a well-known  alphabet  of  Scripture  proper 
names,  which  may  be  utilized  at  a social  by  ranking  the 
members  on  two  sides,  and  reading  these  lines  one  at  a 
time,  in  the  same  way  that  a spelling-bee  is  carried  on  : 

A was  a monarch  who  reigned  in  the  East  (Esth.  1:1). 
B was  a Chaldee  who  made  a great  feast  (Dan.  5 : 1-4). 
C was  veracious,  when  others  told  lies  (Num.  13: 
3°-33)- 

D was  a woman,  heroic  and  wise  (Judg.  4 : 4-14). 

E was  a refuge,  where  David  spared  Saul  (1  Sam. 
24:  1-7). 

F was  a Roman,  accuser  of  Paul  (Acts  26  : 24). 

G was  a garden,  a favorite  resort  (John  18  : 1,  2 ; Matt. 
26  : 36). 

H was  a city  where  David  held  court  (2  Sam.  2:  n). 

I was  a mocker,  a very  bad  boy  (Gen.  16  : 16). 

J was  a city,  preferred  as  a joy  (Ps.  137  : 6). 

K was  a father,  whose  son  was  quite  tall  (1  Sam. 
9 : 1,  2). 


l8  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

L was  a proud  one,  who  had  a great  fall  (Isa.  14  : 12). 
M was  a nephew,  whose  uncle  was  good  (Col.  4:  10; 
Acts  11  : 24). 

N was  a city,  long  hid  where  it  stood  (Zeph.  2:13). 

O was  a servant,  acknowledged  a brother  (Philem.  16). 
P was  a Christian  greeting  another  (2  Tim.  1 : 1,  2). 

R was  a damsel  who  knew  a man’s  voice  (Acts  12: 
I3>  !4)- 

S was  a sovereign  who  made  a bad  choice  (1  Kings 

11:4-11). 

T was  a seaport,  where  preaching  was  long  (Acts 
20  : 6,  7). 

U was  a teamster,  struck  dead  for  his  wrong  (2  Sam. 
6:  7). 

V was  a cast-off,  and  never  restored  (Esth.  1:19). 

Z was  a ruin  with  sorrow  deplored  (Ps.  137  : 1). 


BIBLE  NAMES 

Choose  sides  as  in  a spelling  match,  and  let  the  leader 
of  the  first  side  give  the  first  syllable  of  the  name  of  some 
Bible  character.  The  leader  of  the  opposite  side  will  then 
complete  the  name,  if  he  can.  Failing  this,  his  side  loses 
a member,  selected  by  the  leader  of  the  opposite  side. 
And  so  the  contest  goes  on  down  the  line,  first  one  side 
and  then  the  other  proposing  the  first  syllable  of  some 
name. 


BIBLE  READINGS 

A good  way  to  promote  study  of  the  Bible  is  a “ Bible 
oratorical  contest,”  in  which  four  or  five  contestants  recite, 
or  give  as  readings,  selections  from  the  Bible.  If  well  done, 
it  will  prove  most  entertaining,  and  many  people  will  go 
home  surprised  that  the  Bible  is  such  an  interesting 
book. 


*9 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

BIRD  CARNIVAL 

The  invitations  to  the  carnival  had  various  kinds  of 
birds  painted  upon  them,  and  each  guest  was  requested  to 
come  representing  the  kind  of  bird  designated  on  his  or  her 
invitation.  There  were  two  invitations  of  each  kind,  one 
sent  to  a lady  and  one  to  a gentleman,  that  there  might  be 
a “ pair  ” of  each  variety  of  bird.  As  the  guests  arrived, 
each  was  labeled  with  the  name  of  the  bird  he  or  she  rep- 
resented, and  in  this  way  it  was  easy  for  them  to  find 
their  “ mates  ” for  refreshments.  The  house  was  profusely 
trimmed  with  flowers,  vines,  and  leaves  (many  of  them 
artificial,  borrowed  from  a near-by  store)  ; every  available 
space  was  covered,  the  banisters,  the  mantel  posts,  the  door- 
and  window-frames,  the  archways,  etc.,  and  even  the 
walls  of  the  dining-room  were  hung  with  the  trailing  vines, 
so  that  the  place  looked  like  a veritable  woodland  dell. 
All  the  stuffed  birds  that  could  be  secured  were  perched 
here  and  there  among  the  vines  and  branches,  some  on 
nests  with  their  mates  beside  them ; a large  owl  was  placed 
high  in  one  corner,  and  in  a cozy  nook  in  another  corner 
was  the  nest  of  a meadow  lark,  with  father  and  mother 
birds  teaching  their  young  ones  to  fly.  Besides  this  cana- 
ries in  cages  were  distributed  throughout  the  house,  lend- 
ing their  music  to  the  general  effect.  Bird  eggs  of  every 
description  were  also  used  to  help  decorate.  In  the  centre 
of  the  dining  table  a nest  was  arranged,  containing  a mother 
bird  and  her  little  ones,  while  suspended  from  the  gas  jet 
by  gayly  colored  ribbons  and  reaching  almost  to  the  nest, 
were  many  prettily  decorated  egg  shells,  the  contents  hav- 
ing been  “ blown  ” from  them  by  means  of  small  holes 
made  in  each  end.  Twenty- five  rhymes  about  birds  were 
pinned  about  the  rooms,  the  guests  being  required  to  an- 
swer them.  Following  are  given  the  rhymes  and  their  an- 
swers. The  hostess  kept  the  “ key  ” and  read  the  correct 
list  at  the  close  of  the  contest,  when  a canary  bird  in  a 
cage  was  given  as  first  prize  and  a stuffed  bird  as  second 
to  the  most  successful  contestants.  At  the  close  of  the  con- 


20 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

test,  the  roll  was  called  and  each  “ bird  ” present  responded 
by  an  appropriate  quotation,  these  having  been  previously 
distributed  by  the  hostess. 


Bird  Pie 

After  refreshments  were  served,  an  enormous  “ bird  pie 19 
was  placed  upon  the  table  and  each  guest  was  given  a 
slice.  This  pie  was  made  of  pie  crust,  and  was  filled  with 
tiny  trifles  wrapped  in  tissue  paper,  most  of  them  represent- 
ing birds,  eggs,  nests,  etc.  On  the  top  of  the  pie  twenty- 
four  little  birds  cut  out  of  black  paper  were  perched  by 
means  of  pins  stuck  through  their  feet.  Also  pinned  to 
the  pie  was  this  verse  : 

When  this  pie  is  opened 
The  birds  begin  to  sing  ? 

That  is  where  you  all  are  fooled ; 

We  won’t  do  such  a thing  ! 


BIRD  GUESSING  CONTEST 

1.  A flash  of  sky  on  wing. — ( Bluebird, .) 

2.  Oh,  shall  I call  thee  bird, 

Or  but  a wandering  voice  ? 

Thy  note  from  household  clocks  is  heard, 

And  children’s  ears  rejoice. — ( Cuckoo .) 

3.  King  of  the  water,  as  the  air, 

He  dives  and  finds  his  prey. — {Kingfisher.') 

4.  Thy  plaintive  cry  announces  punishment, 

And  warns  the  luckless  boy  for  whom  ’tis  sent. 

— ( Whippoorwill.) 

5.  You  introduce  yourself  throughout  your  song, 

And  tell  the  world  your  brief,  old-fashioned  name. 

—( Phoebe, .) 


21 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

6.  “ Bob  White  ! ” you  call 

Along  the  marshy  coast. 

Speak  not  so  loud 

Or  you  will  be  on  toast. — (Quail.) 

7.  Cooing  ’neath  barn  rafters, 

Pouting,  sometimes,  too, 

Rippling  like  child  laughter 

All  the  winter  through. — (Pigeon.) 

8.  An  English  emigrant,  bird  of  the  street, 

So  common  that  some  like  thee  not  at  all. 

Yet  in  the  Holy  Bible  we  are  told 

The  Father  careth  if  but  one  should  fall. — (Sparrow,) 

9.  Red-breasted  harbinger  of  spring 

We  wait  in  hope  to  hear  thee  sing. — (Robin.) 

10.  Yellow  captive  of  the  cage, 

Silver  notes  thou  giv’st  as  wage. — ( Canary.) 

11.  A flash  of  white  upon  the  sea, 

And  yet  ’tis  not  a sail. 

A “ Tittle  brother  of  the  air  ” 

Hath  dared  to  ride  the  gale. — (Sea-gull.) 

12.  ‘‘Jenny  ” named  in  children’s  books, 

Bright  in  spirit,  dull  in  looks; 

With  Cock  Robin  as  thy  mate, 

Nothing  else  I’ll  have  to  state. — (Wren.) 

13.  In  Blue  Grass  regions  is  thy  splendor  seen, 

Thou  flash  of  flame. 

August  thy  name, 

Red-coated  pontiff  of  the  green. — (Kentucky  Cardinal.) 

14.  Black  robber  of  the  corn-fields,  oh,  beware  ! 

The  farmer  can  do  other  things  than  scare. — ( Crow. ) 

15.  We  know  how  long  ago 
You  frightened  Mr.  Poe  — 

Black-coated  prophet  of  adversity. — (Raven.) 

16.  Named  for  the  animal  the  dairies  need, 

Yet,  in  thy  nature,  quite  a different  breed. — (Cowbird*) 


22 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

17.  Black-winged  in  crimson  roses  thou  art  dressed, 

Fine  feathers  make  fine  birds,  it  is  confessed ; 

And  none  more  fine  than  thou, 

Oh,  brilliant  beauty  of  the  bough  ! — ( Scarlet  Tanager .) 

18.  The  melody  is  trickling  from  thy  beak, 

And  silver  whistlings  help  thy  voice  to  speak. 

Oh,  singer,  famed  by  thousands,  clear  the  strain 
Which  ripples  from  thy  pulsing  throat  like  rain. 

— ( Nightingale . ) 

19.  Bird  of  the  night, 

Thy  round  eyes  are  aglow 
With  all  the  learning 

Which  the  sages  know. — ( Owl .) 

20.  The  mother  hen  must  watch  her  little  brood 
Lest  thou  come  down  and  bear  them  off  for  food, 

And  use  them  for  a dinner, 

Oh,  prowling  sinner. — ( Hawk .) 

21.  You  imitate  the  foe  which  does  you  wrong,  . 

And  call  “ Meouw,”  instead  of  chanting  song. 

— (Catbird.} 

22.  Your  coat  is  like  the  leaden  sky 

Which  drops  the  feathery  snow, 

And  when  that  leaves  us,  by  and  by, 

Still  further  north  you  go. — (Snowbird.) 

23.  A symbol  of  the  perfect  Love 

Shed  from  above. — (Dove.) 

24.  I supplicate 

At  Heaven’s  gate 
And  rest  on  wing 
Where  angels  sing. — (Lark.) 

25.  I’m  always  offered  cracker, 

And  though  I like  it  well 
I think  some  other  viands 

Would  answer  just  as  well. — (Parrot.) 


23 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

BIRTHDAY  PARTY 

We  herewith  extend  a most  kind  invitation 
To  you  and  your  friends  or  any  relation 
To  come  to  a party.  This  little  silk  sack 
Is  intended  to  f ur  nish  a good  place  to  pack 
As  many  pennies  as  you  are  years  old. 

We  promise  the  secret  shall  never  be  told. 

If  Methuselah' s age  would  be  the  right  sum 
Of  the  years  to  which  you  already  have  come , 

If  objections  to  exposing  your  age  should  arise , 

One  hundred  would  be  a splendid  disguise . 

A musical  program  of  very  rare  7nerit 
Will  be  given  to  those  who  will  just  come  and  hear  it. 

We' ll  give  you  good  cheer  for  the  weak  inner  man 
A nd  a gallery  of  pictures  unique  to  well  scan  ; 

We' ll  meet  young  and  old  with  greetings  most  hearty 
As  you  come , one  and  all , to  your  own  Birthday  Party . 

These  invitations  can  be  given  and  sent  out  beforehand, 
each  accompanied  by  a tiny  silk  bag  to  hold  the  money. 
Prepare  a nice  musical  treat  and  something  good  to  eat. 
Have  each  member  of  the  society  giving  the  entertainment 
bring  a picture  of  himself  when  a baby  or  small  child,  and 
have  a picture  gallery.  Do  not  forget  to  be  very  social 
and  make  every  one  feel  that  he  is  welcome,  not  only  for 
the  money  he  brings,  but  for  himself  also. 

BISHOP’S  RIDDLE 

A most  eccentric  yet  interesting  man  was  Bishop  Brooks 
of  Brookville ; although  not  a large  or  strong  man,  wher- 
ever he  went,  night  or  day,  he  was  always  either  accom- 
panied by  or  carrying  : 

Two  playful  animals — calves. 

A number  of  small  animals  of  a less  tame  breed — hares 
(hairs). 

A member  of  the  deer  family — hart  (heart). 


24  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

A number  of  whips  without  handles — lashes  (eyelashes). 
Some  weapons  of  warfare — arms. 

The  steps  of  a hotel — inn  steps  (insteps). 

The  House  of  Representatives  when  a vote  is  taken — 
ayes  and  noes  (eyes  and  nose). 

Some  Spanish  grandees  to  wait  upon  him — ten  dons 
(tendons). 

Two  places  of  worship- — temples. 

Two  scholars — pupils. 

What  Napoleon  wished  to  leave  his  son — crown. 

Two  coverings  of  kettles — lids  (eyelids). 

Two  musical  instruments — drums. 

Two  established  measures — feet  and  hands. 

Two  coverings  for  the  head — caps  (kneecaps). 

Several  articles  that  a carpenter  cannot  do  without — 
nails. 

A couple  of  fish — soles. 

A number  of  shell-fish — mussels  (muscles). 

Two  lofty  trees — palms. 

Two  kinds  of  flowers — tulips  and  iris. 


BOX  PARTY 

A box  party  can  be  made  very  enjoyable  if  every  one 
enters  into  the  contest. 

Each  lady  should  pack  a box  with  lunch  for  two  and  at 
the  party  the  boxes  can  be  auctioneered  off  to  the  highest 
bidder. 

Or,  if  there  is  any  objection  to  that,  the  ladies’  names 
can  be  placed  on  slips  of  paper  and  the  papers  put  into  a 
hat  and  passed  to  the  gentlemen;  the  slip  each  draws  con- 
tains the  name  of  the  one  with  whom  he  is  to  eat  refresh- 
ments. 

If  this  party  is  to  make  money  for  some  society  the  wisest 
way  will  be  to  sell  the  boxes. 

The  same  plan  may  also  be  followed  for  a Sunday-school 
or  other  picnic. 


25 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

CAKE  SALE 

Probably  the  description  of  a cake  sale  that  was  held  for 
the  benefit  of  a library  fund  may  not  come  amiss  to  show 
just  how  attractive  and  successful  such  an  affair  can  be 
made.  The  principal  feature  of  this  sale  was  the  cake  con- 
test— a game,  with  cake  prizes.  This  game  was  devised 
to  take  the  place  of  raffling,  which  was  voted  out  of  date. 
It  was  played  by  groups  of  ten,  who  on  paying  a fee  were 
given  printed  lists  of  questions  to  be  answered.  Each  list 
had  to  be  signed  with  the  player’s  name  and  put  in  the 
“ post-office  ” by  a certain  time  in  the  evening,  and  later  the 
names  of  the  prize-winners  in  each  group  were  announced. 
To  promote  sociability  and  fun,  a lady’s  and  a gentleman’s 
first  prize,  and  a lady’s  and  a gentleman’s  booby  were 
given  in  each  group.  The  prizes  were  cakes,  iced  and 
fancifully  decorated  with  colored  candies,  and  each  cake 
was  put  on  a wooden  plate,  covered  with  a frill  of  crepe 
paper.  The  boobies  were  ginger  and  sugar  horsecakes. 
Below  is  the  list  of  questions  and  answers  used  in  the  con- 
test, which  may  be  lengthened  or  shortened  at  will : 

Which  cake  did  the  society  woman  buy?  Reception. 
The  schoolgirl  ? Composition.  The  grocer  ? Sugar.  The 
artist?  Exhibition.  The  farmer?  Harvest.  The  mean 
man?  Sponge.  The  tramp?  Loaf.  The  minister? 
Scripture.  The  milliner  ? Feather.  The  maiden  aunt  ? 
Tea.  The  dairyman?  Cream.  The  champion?  Cup. 
The  pretty  girls?  Ribbon.  The  jockey?  Horse.  The 
shoemaker  ? The  last.  The  sculptor  ? Marble.  The 
small  boys  ? Snowballs.  The  gossip  ? Spice.  The  Bryan 
man  ? Silver.  The  young  man  for  his  sweetheart  ? Angel. 
The  fond  mamma  for  her  daughter  ? Wedding.  The 
candidate  for  office  ? Election.  The  politician  ? Plum. 

Then  there  were  cakes  for  sale,  whole  or  cut.  Small 
tables  were  placed  at  one  end  of  the  hall ; and  here  cake 
was  served  with  tea,  coffee  or  chocolate.  The  cake  booths 
were  attractively  decorated  with  crepe  paper  and  flags. 
Posters  announced  the  specialties  and  prices  at  each. 


26  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

Watermelon  cakes  were  the  novelty  at  one  booth ; apple 
lemon  cakes  at  another;  a plentiful  supply  of  cookies, 
dominoes,  horsecakes,  gingerbread  dolls,  and  little  patty 
pan  cakes,  containing  a prize  to  attract  the  patronage  of 
the  children,  at  another.  Little  china  dolls,  marbles,  china 
dogs,  cats,  vases,  etc.,  were  put  in  the  dough  when  the 
little  pans  were  filled.  These  china  toys  were  not  injured 
by  the  baking  and  delighted  the  children  beyond  measure. 

At  a cake  sale  recently  held  for  the  benefit  of  a church, 
a novel  feature  was  introduced  in  the  sale  of  “ Scripture 
cake.” 

The  cakes  were  baked  in  several  different  sizes,  and  sold 
for  from  twenty- five  cents  to  one  dollar.  With  each  cake 
sold  was  given  a copy  of  the  recipe  by  which  it  was  made, 
which  was  as  follows  : 


Scripture  Cake 


1 cup  of  butter Judges  5 : 25 

3*4  cups  flour . . . 1 Kings  4:  22 

3 cups  sugar Jeremiah  6 : 20 

2 cups  raisins 1 Samuel  30:12 

2 cups  figs  I Samuel  30:  12 

1 cup  water Genesis  24:17 

I cup  almonds Genesis  43:11 

6 eggs Isaiah  10 : 14 

1 tablespoonful  honey Exodus  16:21 

A pinch  of  salt Leviticus  16:13 

Spices  to  taste 1 Kings  10:  10 

2 tablespoonfuls  baking-powder  .......  1 Cor.  5 : 6 


Follow  Solomon’s  advice  for  making  good  boys,  and 
you  will  have  a good  cake.  Proverbs  23  : 14. 

CAKE  WALK  (Novel  kind) 

I hope  this  will  not  shock  any  of  my  readers,  and  I don’t 
think  it  will  after  it  is  read.  It  can  be  held  in  a church  or 


27 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

Sunday  school  room  without  any  qualms  of  conscience  on 
any  one’s  part.  Have  each  one  come  to  represent  a cake. 
For  instance,  sponge  cake  can  be  represented  by  having 
sponges  all  over  the  body ; batter  cake,  by  young  man 
wearing  baseball  suit  of  clothes  and  carrying  bat ; cup 
cake,  by  wearing  cups  around  the  neck  and  waist ; fruit 
cake,  by  carrying  baskets  of  different  kinds  of  small  fruits; 
angel  cake,  by  wearing  pictures  of  angels  on  the  dress  and 
hair;  one,  two,  three,  four  cake,  by  wearing  the  figures  i, 
2,  3,  4 pinned  on  dress  or  coat ; cooky,  by  wearing  chefs 
cap  and  apron  and  a large  letter  E making  that  person 
cook-e ; plain  cake,  by  dressing  very  plainly ; orange  cake, 
by  carrying  orange  in  each  hand ; nut  cake,  by  carring 
nuts.  Any  other  cake  can  be  represented  by  carrying 
out  the  same  idea.  All  should  keep  moving  around  so 
that  the  people  can  see  what  each  one  represents.  A 
prize  of  a cake  can  be  given  to  the  one  guessing  the  greatest 
number  of  cakes  correctly.  Refreshments  should  consist 
of  every  variety  of  cake  served  with  cocoa  or  coffee. 

CALICO  CARNIVAL 

The  society  who  gave  it  had  the  oddly  written  announce- 
ment given  below  published  in  the  local  papers  a week  in 
advance.  They  also  used  it  as  a handbill : 


“ Calico  Carnival 

“ Consider  yourself  cordially  invited  to  be  present  at  the 
correctly  constructed  and  considerately  combined  calico 
carnival  to  be  held  at  Hall,  Friday  night,  Feb- 

ruary — , 1905,  admission  fifteen  cents. 

“ Conspicuous  courses  served  in  confused  compactness: 
One  conglomerated  compound  circle ; one  cup  communi- 
cative cordial  (containing  no  chickory),  or  one  cup  of 
Chinese  cheer,  or  one  cup  of  choice  churned  cream ; one 
cider  cured  cucumber  ; and  one  cup  of  cold  comfort. 


28 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

“Rules  and  regulations:  All  ladies  to  wear  calico 
gowns,  also  requested  to  bring  half  a pound  of  carefully 
cut  carpet  rags  each.  All  gentlemen  to  wear  calico  ties 
and  requested  to  bring  thimbles. 

“ Fines  will  be  imposed  for  the  following:  Any  lady 
who  fails  to  wear  a calico  gown,  ten  cents  ; any  lady  who 
fails  to  bring  half  a pound  of  carefully  cut  carpet  rags,  ten 
cents ; any  gentleman  who  fails  to  wear  a calico  tie,  twenty- 
five  cents ; any  gentleman  who  fails  to  bring  a thimble,  five 
cents. 

“ P.  S. — There  will  be  for  sale,  cheap,  cunning  calico 
conveniences  that  will  be  a constant  comfort. 

“ N.  B. — Any  person  who  sits  in  a corner  and  refuses  to 
converse  will  be  fined  five  cents. 

“ The  sale  of  calico  conveniences  will  begin  at .” 

Of  course,  everybody  came.  The  fines  and  admissions 
alone  would  have  paid  the  ladies  for  the  trouble  of  getting 
up  the  carnival. 

The  “conspicuous  courses”  consisted  of  cake;  coffee, 
tea,  or  buttermilk  ; pickles  ; and  ice  water. 

Among  the  “ calico  conveniences  ” which  sold  readily 
were  the  following  articles : Dusting  caps,  button  bags  and 
bags  of  every  description,  chair  cushions,  aprons  with  bibs 
and  aprons  without,  and,  in  fact,  everything  that  could 
possibly  be  manufactured  from  calico. 

The  carpet  rags  were  given  to  the  gentlemen  to  sew. 
An  inexpensive  prize  was  given  to  the  one  who  first  fin- 
ished his  task. 


CAN  FACTORY 

The  words  to  be  guessed  all  begin  with  can — the  defi- 
nitions of  the  whole  words  being  here  given.  Book- 
lets with  tiny  pencils  attached,  and  containing  the  verses, 
may  be  distributed  among  the  guests  and,  after  the  contest 
is  decided,  returned  as  souvenirs  of  the  occasion. 


29 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

1.  Though  this  can  is  a can,  you  all  will  agree, 

The  can  is  termed  thus  because  it  holds  tea. 

2.  This  long,  narrow  can  holds  so  precious  a stock, 

That  oft  you  will  find  it  has  more  than  one  lock. 

3.  The  most  wick-ed  can,  tho’  safe  from  police, 

Should  you  search  for  its  heart  you  will  find  it  in  grease. 

4.  This  can  is  a can  that  delights  you  and  me, 

It  always  is  “ open  ” and  likewise  is  “ free.” 

5.  Where  breezes  blow  and  surges  roll, 

With  swelling  form  and  manner  proud, 

This  can  in  triumph  rides  the  waves, 

The  sailor’s  living  and  his  shroud. 

6.  Here’s  a can,  which,  bear  in  mind, 

Lives  on  others  of  its  kind. 

7.  They  say  empty  cans  will  produce  the  most  noise, 

But,  if  properly  filled,  this  will  startle  the  boys. 

8.  Most  cans  are  hardly  fit  to  eat, 

Yet  you’ll  like  this  kind,  nice  and  sweet. 

9.  The  waltz  or  the  glee  or  the  bold  martial  strain, 

Each  one,  as  his  favorite,  endorses ; 

But  for  those  who  prefer  oratorio  style, 

This  can  sweetest  music  discourses. 

10.  Now  who  would  elect  in  a can  to  reside, 

Yet  this  as  a shelter  is  known  far  and  wide. 

11.  A can  of  most  sagacious  mind, 

’Tis  “ frugal,  prudent,  shrewd,”  you’ll  find. 

12.  That  a horse  should  use  cans  seems  indeed  strange  to  say, 
Yet  if  pressed  to  have  one  he’d  not  utter  a nay. 

13.  To  put  cans  in  poems  no  one  is  inclined, 

Yet  cans  of  this  sort  in  some  poems  you’ll  find. 


30  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

14.  In  tubs  and  in  bowls  men  have  ventured  from  land, 
And  in  cans  of  this  kind,  so  I understand. 

* 15.  Now,  here  is  a can  that  is  yellow  and  round, 

’Twould  seem  little  prized,  for  it  grows  on  the  ground. 


KEY 


I. 

Canister. 

9.  Cantata. 

2. 

Canal. 

10.  Canopy. 

3- 

Candle. 

11.  Canny. 

4- 

Candid. 

12.  Canter. 

5- 

Canvas. 

13.  Canto. 

6„ 

Cannibal. 

14.  Canoe. 

7- 

8. 

Cannon. 

Candy. 

15.  Cantaloup. 

CAT  GUESSING  CONTEST 

1.  I wonder  what  Tabby  the  — — — to  now?  (Cat- 

SUp) 

2.  We  will  buy  some for  puss.  (Catnip) 

3.  We  all  should  learn  our . (Catechism) 

4.  Both  are  in  the  same  (Category) 

5.  See  the — grazing  on  the  hillside.  (Cattle) 

6.  The  artist’s  name  is  not  in  the  >.  (Cata- 

logue) 

7.  It  is  very  distressing  to  have  the . (Catarrh) 

8.  Be  sure  to  visit  the in  Rome.  (Catacombs) 

9.  See  the  crawling  on  the  ground.  (Cater- 

pillar) 

10.  What  does  the  — to  ? (Catamount) 


CHESTNUT  SOCIABLE 

First  procure  a good  quantity  of  chestnuts.  Plain  and 
roasted  chestnuts  may  be  sold  at  one  table.  They  should 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  31 

be  measured  into  pint  and  half-pint  paper  bags,  ready  for 
customers. 

A second  table  will  be  needed  for  bonbons.  An  ex- 
cellent taffy  is  made  by  stirring  chopped  chestnuts  into 
plain  molasses  candy  when  ready  to  take  from  the  fire. 
Caramels  are  improved  by  adding  chopped  chestnuts. 
Chopped  chestnuts  and  figs  added  to  crisp  sugar  candy 
make  a good  sweet -meat.  Shelled  chestnuts  are  glazed  by 
dipping  in  hot  sugar  candy.  A variety  of  candies  can  be 
made  from  this  receipt:  One  pound  of  confectioners* 
sugar,  well  beaten  white  of  one  egg,  one  tablespoonful  of 
cold  water,  one  teaspoonful  of  vanilla.  Mix  well  to- 
gether and  mould  on  a board.  Mix  it  with  chopped 
chestnuts  and  cut  into  cubes.  Small  balls  of  the  cream 
can  be  rolled  between  the  hands,  and  a whole  chestnut 
(shelled)  pressed  on  one  side.  The  cream  can  be  colored 
with  fruit  coloring  and  different  shapes  can  be  made  from 
this.  Shelled  chestnuts  dipped  in  melted  sweet  chocolate 
are  delicious. 

Old  “ chestnuts* * are  prepared  by  putting  old  jokes  in 
chestnut  shells  and  glueing  them  together.  These  will 
cause  much  fun  and  merriment  for  the  young.  Have  a 
large  bowl  of  water  with  three  chestnuts  in  it  and  let  each 
guest  be  given  two  toothpicks  to  try  to  get  the  chestnuts 
out  of  the  water  with  the  toothpicks,  without  getting  the 
fingers  wet. 


PROGRAM  FOR  CHESTNUT  SOCIABLE 

Have  some  one  recite  “ Curfew  Shall  Not  Ring  To- 
night’* and  “ Over  the  Hills  to  the  Poor  House.**  Let 
some  one  sing  “ The  Old  Oaken  Bucket**  and  “ Annie 
Laurie.”  Have  some  one  read  “ The  Sword  of  Bunker 
Hill”  and  “Bingen  on  the  Rhine.”  Any  variety  of 
entertainment  can  be  gotten  up  with  a little  fore- 
thought. 


32 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

CHILDREN’S  BIRTHDAY  FLOWERS 

Each  month  has  a flower  or  plant  appropriated  to  it,  and 
to  each  a meaning  is  attached.  The  list  is  as  follows : 


July— Lily. 

August — Poppy. 

September — Morning-glory. 
October — Hop. 

November — Chrysanthemum. 
December — Holly. 


January — Snowdrop. 
February — Primrose. 
March — Violet. 

April — Daisy. 

May — Hawthorn. 
June — Wild  rose. 


The  snowdrop  means  consolation  ; the  primrose,  the 
freshness  of  early  youth ; the  violet,  modesty ; the  daisy, 
innocence ; the  hawthorn,  hope ; the  wild  rose,  simplicity  ; 
the  lily,  purity;  the  poppy,  the  consolation  of  sleep;  the 
morning-glory,  contentment ; hops,  joy ; the  chrysanthe- 
mum, cheerfulness ; the  holly,  foresight  and  protection. 

The  morning-glory  is  such  a perishable  flower  that  it  is 
almost  useless  for  the  purpose  of  decoration,  consequently 
it  will  be  wise  to  substitute  goldenrod,  symbolizing  stateli- 
ness, in  its  stead. 


CHILDREN’S  BIRTHDAY  PARTIES 


A birthday  is  an  important  event  in  a child’s  life,  and 
should  not  pass  unnoticed. 

A small  party  for  little  children  is  usually  more  enjoy- 
able and  more  easily  managed  than  a large  one.  With 
many  mothers  it  is  the  custom  to  invite  as  many  little 
guests  as  correspond  to  the  number  of  years  of  the  child 
whose  birthday  is  celebrated. 

Make  the  table  look  as  attractive  as  possible  with  flow- 
ers. A pretty  arrangement  for  a fifth  birthday  is  to  have  a 
round  table,  with  vines,  or  a rope  of  wild  flowers  or  leaves, 
arranged  over  it  to  represent  a five-pointed  star.  The 
sandwiches,  confectionery,  etc.,  may  be  placed  within  the 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  33 

star,  the  birthday  cake  in  the  centre,  and  the  five  guests 
seated  between  the  points  of  decoration. 

For  a sixth  birthday,  a pretty  arrangement  would  be  a 
six-pointed  star,  the  points  to  be  made  with  the  long  fronds 
of  the  sword  fern.  So  many  people  have  pots  of  these 
ferns  growing  in  their  houses,  and  the  foliage  is  so  abun- 
dant, that  some  of  the  older  fronds  of  the  plant  may  well 
be  spared.  The  money  myrtle  is  also  effective  for  this 
decoration,  and,  in  summer,  the  little  partridge  vine  with 
its  red  berries,  to  be  found  in  every  woods,  makes  very 
pretty  trimming.  The  cake  should  be  in  the  centre,  and 
the  other  viands  placed  within  the  star,  the  children's 
plates  between  the  points.  Either  a round  or  square  table 
may  be  used  as  preferred. 

For  an  eighth  birthday,  a square  table  may  be  used  with 
walls  of  Troy  decoration  arranged  for  two  children  at  a side. 
If  the  birthday  comes  in  December,  a rope  of  evergreen  is 
appropriate  and  very  effective  for  this  decoration,  with 
branches  of  holly  or  other  red  berries  at  the  corners,  the 
“ goodies  ” to  be  placed  in  the  centre. 

For  a tenth  birthday,  quite  a long  table  is  needed,  and  a 
pretty  arrangement  of  vines  in  scallops,  with  a small  bunch 
of  flowers  at  each  point  may  be  carried  out,  the  viands  be- 
ing placed  in  the  centre,  and  a child’s  plate  in  each  one  of 
the  scallops. 

In  all  these  arrangements  due  prominence  must  be  given 
to  the  birthday  cake,  the  principal  feature  of  the  feast.  It 
is  placed  usually  in  the  centre,  is  round,  decorated  with 
frosting,  and  as  many  tiny  candles  as  the  child  is  years  old. 
These  are  placed  in  toy  candlesticks,  made  so  that  they  can 
easily  be  thrust  into  the  frosting,  and  the  candles  are 
lighted  just  before  the  children  go  to  the  table.  The  can- 
dlesticks may  be  purchased  at  a toy  store.  It  is  an  excel- 
lent idea  to  place  some  little  souvenir  in  the  cake  for  each 
child,  tiny  china  dogs,  cats  and  goats  being  desirable  for 
this  purpose. 

A candy  house  will  also  make  a novel  and  attractive  cen- 


34  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

trepiece  for  a children’s  party  table.  Build  a log  house  of 
red  and  white  sticks  of  candy,  and  form  the  roof  of  cocoa- 
nut  strips.  For  a rail  fence  use  sticks  of  chocolate  candy 
or  straws  and  make  the  grass  of  spun  candy. 

CHILDREN’S  CHRISTMAS  PARTY 

There  in  the  library  stood  the  most  perfect  snow-man. 
He  wore  a fur  cap  and  long  white  whiskers,  and  on  the 
floor  behind  him  lay  his  pack,  which  had  just  slipped  off 
his  back.  He  held  a doll  on  one  arm,  and  over  the  other 
was  hung  a line  of  tiny  sleigh-bells.  This  snow  Santa  Claus 
was  made  of  cotton  batting,  but  he  looked  exactly  like  the 
snow-man  in  the  yard,  and  the  children  greeted  him  with 
cries  of  delight.  Two  sticks,  wrapped  in  many  thick- 
nesses of  cotton  to  form  the  legs,  had  been  nailed  to  a 
block  of  wood  to  make  a foundation  for  this  snow-man ; 
the  other  parts  of  the  body  were  made  like  snowballs  and 
sewed  in  their  proper  places. 

Each  child  was  allowed  to  throw  a soft  rubber  ball  twice 
in  attempting  to  hit  the  string  of  bells  which  Santa  held. 
Those  who  were  successful  were  told  to  take  some  article 
out  of  the  pack  as  a reward.  Fancy  cornucopias  and 
small  boxes  filled  with  nuts  and  candy  were  found  by  the 
lucky  contestants. 

The  children  were  then  asked  to  guess  the  number  of 
berries  on  a large  piece  of  mistletoe  which  hung  from  one 
of  the-  chandeliers.  The  one  guessing  nearest  the  correct 
number  received  a stickpin  bearing  a tiny  enameled  spray 
of  mistletoe. 

Then  came  old-fashioned  romping  games,  after  which  a 
Christmas  carol  was  sung  and  the  children  marched  in  to 
supper.  A star-shaped  table  had  been  arranged  for  the 
occasion.  In  its  centre  was  a small  but  handsomely 
decorated  tree.  The  refreshments  consisted  of  turkey 
sandwiches,  cocoa,  lemon  jelly  with  whipped  cream, 
sponge  cake,  bonbons  and  nuts.  The  sponge  cake  was 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  35 

baked  in  small  star-shaped  pans,  and  ornamented  with  red 
and  white  icing. 

In  the  parlor  an  immense  snowball  was  hung  from  the 
chandelier.  This  had  been  made  by  fastening  four  barrel- 
hoops  together  so  as  to  form  a round  frame,  over  which 
was  sewed  white  cambric.  Then  the  ball  was  covered 
with  batting  and  sprinkled  with  diamond  dust.  A slit  was 
made  in  one  side,  and  each  child  put  in  his  hand  and  drew 
out  some  article  wrapped  in  tissue  paper.  These  proved 
to  be  dolls,  balls,  and  toys  of  all  sorts.  Some  drew  out 
tiny  boxes  inside  of  which  were  slips  of  paper  with  direc- 
tions like  these  : “ Look  under  the  divan  and  you  will  find 
a steam-engine,”  “ Look  beside  the  radiator  and  you  will 
find  a doll’s  kitchen,”  etc. 

In  the  dressing-room  they  were  softly  pelted  with  a mys- 
terious shower  of  snowballs,  which  they  endeavored  to 
catch.  The  balls  were  packages  of  marshmallows  wound 
loosely  with  white  crepe  paper. 

CHILDREN’S  CHRISTMAS  TABLEAUX 

Build  a cave-shaped  box  on  a raised  platform,  drape  in- 
side and  out  with  white  muslin,  fasten  evergreen  boughs 
about  the  entrance  and  at  the  back,  draping  all  of  these 
with  loose  tufts  of  cotton  like  new-fallen  snow,  and  sprink- 
ling them  with  mica.  Sprays  of  red  berries  can  be  intro- 
duced with  splendid  effect.  White  covered  steps  must 
lead  up  to  the  cave,  about  the  mouth  of  which  may  be 
spread  white  fur  rugs.  Let  the  candles  be  fastened 
plentifully  around  the  cave,  but  have  the  rest  of  the  room 
very  dimly  lighted.  In  the  cave  arrange  the  gifts,  wrapped 
and  properly  marked,  being  careful  to  have  one  for  each 
person  present.  Dress  a pretty,  golden-haired  little  girl  as 
a fairy,  with  wings  and  spangles  to  enter  the  cave  and 
bring  out  the  gifts,  and  a couple  of  little  boys  as  imps  or 
brownies  to  deliver  them.  Low  music  should  be  played  in 
some  concealed  corner,  with  now  and  again  a song  or 


36  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

chorus  by  a band  of  children  dressed  as  fairies.  The  pres- 
entation of  the  tableaux  may  either  precede  or  follow  the 
distribution  of  the  gifts. 

Boy  Blue. — A little  boy  in  a blue  suit  stands  on  a pile 
of  hay,  side  to  the  audience,  with  a tin  trumpet  to  his 
lips.  Piano  music,  “Little  Boy  Blue.”  If  the  song  is 
sung  softly,  it  is  an  addition. 

Bo  Peep. — A little  girl  in  a white  gown,  with  a shep- 
herd’s crook,  in  pursuit  of  a woolly  lamb  on  rollers,  being 
drawn  across  the  stage  by  an  invisible  string.  She  stands 
as  if  she  were  running,  with  one  foot  out  behind  her, 
while  the  lamb  disappears  and  some  one  reads  the  rhyme : 

“ Little  Bo  Peep  has  lost  her  sheep 
And  can’t  tell  where  to  find  them ; 

Let  them  alone  and  they’ll  come  home 
And  bring  their  tails  behind  them.” 

Miss  Muffet. — A little  girl  sits  on  Boy  Blue’s  pile  of 
hay,  eating  something  from  a saucer.  A small  boy  steals 
up  behind  her,  with  an  artificial  spider  on  a string  attached 
to  a pole,  which  he  slowly  lowers  into  her  plate.  Appro- 
priate music  is  played,  and  Miss  Muffet  screams  as  the 
curtain  is  drawn. 

Cinderella. — A little  girl,  with  torn  calico  dress  and 
unkempt  hair,  stands  at  the  right  of  the  stage,  her  hands 
clasped  and  uplifted,  smiling  in  wonder.  Before  her 
stands  a very  small  boy  in  a smart  military  suit,  with  a 
white  cotton  wig  on  his  head,  indicating  the  coach  in 
which  she  is  to  go  to  the  ball.  The  coach  may  be  a 
pumpkin  hollowed  into  the  proper  shape,  and  drawn  by  a 
small  dog  harnessed  to  it  with  ribbons,  or  a go-cart,  or 
baby  carriage,  drawn  by  a larger  dog.  Some  one  behind 
the  scenes  plays  a waltz  very  softly.  Plenty  of  red  fire. 

Little  Jack  Horner. — For  this  a boy  with  a mis- 
chievous face  should  be  chosen.  He  sits  on  the  floor  in 
the  centre  of  the  stage,  with  a huge  pan  covered  with 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  37 

white  paper  between  his  feet.  Some  one  behind  the 
scenes  reads  the  nursery  rhyme  : 

Little  Jack  Horner 
Sat  in  a corner, 

Eating  a Christmas  pie ; 

He  put  in  his  thumb 
And  pulled  out  a plum, 

And  said ; “ What  a great  boy  am  I ! ” 

Little  Jack  Horner,  of  course,  suits  the  action  to  the 
words,  pulling  a prune,  date  or  raisin  out  of  a hole  in  the 
paper  pasted  over  the  pan.  He  puts  it  in  his  mouth  as 
the  curtain  is  drawn. 

Following  the  Flag. — In  one  corner  of  the  stage  a 
tent  is  erected — a white  sheet  over  a centre  pole.  All  the 
small  boys  who  have  military  suits,  drums,  trumpets  and 
muskets,  stand  about,  and  one  in  the  very  front  holds  the 
flag.  In  front  of  the  tent,  on  a pile  of  hay,  lies  another 
small  boy,  in  a military  suit,  with  his  eyes  closed,  and  be- 
hind him  stands  a little  girl  in  a big  white  apron,  with  the 
symbol  of  the  red  cross  on  her  left  arm.  Music  behind 
the  scenes  is  either  “Tenting  on  the  Old  Camp  Ground/’ 
or  “The  Star  Spangled  Banner,”  and  all  the  rest  of  the 
red  fire  is  ignited.  When  it  dies  down,  the  curtain  is 
drawn,  the  lights  are  turned  up,  and  the  pianist  plays 
“Home,  Sweet  Home.” 


CHILDREN’S  EASTER  PARTY 

The  little  guests  when  they  arrive  will  be  made  happy 
by  giving  them  small  baskets  to  hunt  for  the  eggs  which 
the  mother  has  a few  days  before  blown  and  colored  and 
hidden  all  over  the  house. 

In  a room  where  there  is  a hardwood  floor  have  little 
yellow  chicks  arranged  as  tenpins  at  one  end  and  give  the 
children  each  an  egg  and  let  them  roll  the  eggs  and  see 


38  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

how  many  chicks  they  can  knock  down.  While  they  are 
doing  this  take  some  of  the  eggs  they  have  found,  run 
ribbon  through  them  and  suspend  in  different  lengths  from 
a chandelier. 

Among  these  suspended  “eggshells”  have  Easter  eggs 
filled  with  good  things.  You  can  buy  the  eggs,  and  fill 
some  of  them  with  candy  and  some  with  peanuts ; put 
tiny  dolls  in  some  and  small  toys  in  others,  so  that  no  two 
eggs  will  be  filled  alike.  Then  blindfold  one  child  at  a 
time ; give  him  a small  cane  and  let  him  make  one  strike 
and  see  what  he  can  bring  down.  It  is  a good  idea  to 
spread  a sheet  under  the  chandelier  on  the  floor,  so  that 
the  shells  can  be  gathered  up  quickly.  Then  announce 
refreshments. 

In  the  centre  of  the  supper-table  upon  a mound  of 
smilax  place  a large  rabbit  on  his  haunches,  and  in  his 
front  paws  an  Easter  egg.  From  this  mound  to  each  plate 
run  a different-colored  piece  of  ribbon,  with  a card  at- 
tached. Upon  the  card  have  the  child’s  name  who  sits  at 
that  place. 

At  one  end  of  the  table  have  an  Easter  cake  with  lily 
decorations,  and  at  the  other  end  place " something  that 
looks  like  a large  white  frosted  cake,  with  one  little  downy 
chick  in  the  centre,  and  five  or  six  in  a row  around  the 
edge.  This  is  not  a cake  but  a baking-pan  turned  upside 
down,  covered  with  white  paper  and  frosted  white. 

Have  all  the  refreshments  upon  the  table — thin  slices  of 
bread  and  butter,  sandwiches,  nuts,  tiny  cups  of  choco- 
late, cake  and  ice  cream. 

After  all  have  finished  eating  and  are  ready  to  leave  the 
table  the  little  ones  may  be  told  that  at  the  count  of  three 
they  are  to  pull  their  ribbons,  first  removing  Bunny  from 
his  nest  to  avoid  breaking  any  dishes.  Then  every  child 
will  find  attached  to  the  ribbon  an  egg,  the  color  of  his  or 
her  ribbon,  filled  with  candy  or  a small  gift  of  some  sort. 

These  eggs,  a little  yellow  chick,  and  the  baskets  may 
be  given  to  the  children  to  carry  home. 


39 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

Easter  Salad 

A delicious  and  most  attractive  salad  for  Easter  may  be 
made  by  building  a nest  of  narrow  strips  of  cold  boiled 
potatoes  upon  a few  very  crisp  lettuce  leaves.  Fill  the 
nest  with  eggs  made  of  cream  cheese  rolled  in  grated  yel- 
low cheese.  Serve  on  individual  plates  with  a well-made 
mayonnaise  dressing,  and  plain  crackers,  or  thin  slices  of 
brown  bread  and  butter. 


Easter  Gelatine 

Pour  gelatine  flavored  with  unfermented  grape  juice  into 
egg  shells  and  set  them  upon  the  ice.  When  the  jelly 
seems  to  be  firm  remove  the  shells,  and  you  will  have  as 
many  pretty  clear  violet  eggs  as  you  have  had  shells.  Ar- 
range them  around  a mould  of  Bavarian  cream,  and  serve. 
Gelatine  flavored  with  chocolate,  orange  or  cranberry 
juice  would  make  equally  pretty  eggs,  and  probably  please 
the  children  better  than  the  violet  ones. 


Easter  Baskets  of  Dessert 

Little  baskets  of  puff  paste  were  filled  with  yellow 
“eggs”  made  from  a rich  custard  which  had  been  thick- 
ened with  cornstarch,  cooked  until  stiff  and  poured  into 
egg-shaped  moulds.  When  cold  the  custard  “eggs”  were 
removed  from  the  moulds,  placed  in  the  pastry  baskets  and 
surrounded  with  whipped  cream,  which  was  dotted  with 
white  grapes  cut  in  half  and  the  seeds  removed.  The 
effect  was  very  pretty  and  the  dessert  delighted  the  eyes  of 
the  guests  as  well  as  their  palates. 

This  dessert  might  be  utilized  for  any  other  occasion  by 
pouring  the  custard  into  different-shaped  moulds  and  dot- 
ting the  whipped  cream  with  candied  cherries  or  fresh 
berries. 


40 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

CHILDREN’S  SOUVENIRS 

Souvenirs  at  a children’s  party  should  be  very  inexpen- 
sive. Candy  put  up  in  some  pretty  form  is  the  most  suit- 
able thing  that  can  be  given.  The  dainty  Japanese  con- 
fections that  may  be  purchased  at  any  large  store  where 
Oriental  goods  are  sold  are  novelties,  and  always  please  the 
little  people. 

It  is  always  a great  pleasure  to  children  to  have  some- 
thing to  take  home  with  them  from  a party,  and  very 
inexpensive  souvenirs  will  give  happiness  quite  out  of  pro- 
portion to  their  value.  Japanese  trifles  make  pretty  gifts, 
little  boxes,  bags  or  baskets  filled  with  candy.  Tiny  kites 
are  appropriate  for  boys,  and  fans  for  girls.  Japanese 
dolls  may  be  dressed  with  the  lower  part  of  the  skirt  pro- 
longed into  a bag  and  filled  with  candy.  Only  candy  of 
the  simplest  kind  should  be  used. 

Candy  boxes  in  various  fanciful  forms,  as  banjos,  drums, 
tambourines,  watering-pots,  pails,  caps,  helmets,  fish,  etc., 
may  be  purchased  from  any  dealer  in  such  wares.  They 
are  also  made  in  the  shape  of  birds  and  animals,  as  pea- 
cocks, canaries,  turtles,  alligators  and  elephants.  Hollow 
oranges  and  apples,  fruit  baskets,  with  realistic  cherries, 
grapes,  etc.,  on  top,  and  room  for  candy  underneath,  are 
very  pretty.  If  these  are  thought  too  expensive  orna- 
mented cornucopias  to  hold  bonbons  may  be  procured  at 
various  prices,  beginning  at  fifteen  cents  a dozen.  Mottoes 
containing  paper  hats  and  caps  may  be  procured  as  cheaply 
as  ten  cents  a dozen,  and  a package  of  these,  holding  as 
many  as  the  child  is  years  old,  tied  with  the  birthday 
color,  makes  a dainty  souvenir.  Little  cradles  filled  with 
candy  and  ornamented  with  bows  are  also  appropriate 
gifts. 

A Souvenir  Pudding. — A common  wash-tub,  filled 
with  bran  or  sawdust,  will  make  a nice  pudding  for  a 
child’s  party  by  putting  the  souvenirs  in  a layer  in  the 
bottom  of  the  tub,  then  a layer  of  sawdust,  then  more 
presents,  and  so  on  until  the  tub  is  filled.  Have  a large 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  41 

wooden  spoon  and  let  each  child  make  a dive  with  the 
spoon  until  he  gets  one  souvenir.  This  will  please  the 
little  ones. 


CHILDREN’S  SWEET  PEA  TEA 

The  invitations  to  this  tea  read  like  this : 

Prepare  yourself  for  a Sweet  Pea  Tea , 

The  ’ bus  will  call  for  you  at  three . 

July  igth . 

In  one  corner  of  the  card  a sweet  pea  was  painted  in 
water  colors.  These  cards  were  sent  by  mail.  Of  course, 
the  recipients  of  these  invitations  had  no  idea  where  the 
party  was  to  be,  and  waited  in  great  expectation  for  the 
appointed  day.  Two  ’bus  men  were  engaged  and  furnished 
with  a list  of  the  invited,  and  at  three  o’clock,  or  as  nearly 
that  hour  as  possible,  called  for  the  guests,  and  after  a 
short  and  misleading  drive  arrived  at  last  at  their  destina- 
tion. 

After  being  received  by  the  hostess,  the  guests  were  given 
cards  and  pencils  and  ranged  around  a long  table  in  the 
centre  of  the  room,  on  which  were  strewn  leaves  of  many 
kinds  of  plants.  Five  minutes  were  given  for  guessing  the 
plants  to  which  the  leaves  belonged.  At  the  expiration  of 
that  time,  the  cards  were  taken  (after  names  had  been 
signed),  and  a prize  given  to  the  best  guesser. 

The  guests  were  then  seated,  and  cards  on  which  was 
the  following  list  of  questions  passed  around  : i.  What 
field  flower  is  something  to  eat  and  a dish  we  drink  from  ? 
2.  What  did  the  soldier  say  when  he  bade  his  sweetheart 
good-bye  ? 3.  The  name  of  what  flower  is  used  every 

day  in  a slang  expression  ? 4.  The  name  of  what  flower 

did  Johnny’s  mother  use  when  she  told  him  to  rise ? 5. 

What  hotel  in  New  York  city  bears  the  name  of  a flower? 
6.  What  flower  is  most  popular  in  April  ? 7.  The  name 


42  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

of  what  flower  means  comfort?  8.  What  is  the  saddest 
flower  ? 

The  answers  are:  i.  Buttercup.  2.  Forget-me-not. 
3.  Daisy.  4.  Johnny-jump-up.  5.  Aster.  6.  Eas- 
ter lily.  7.  Heartsease.  8.  Bleeding-heart. 

The  prize  for  this  was  a book  of  flowers  and  verses. 

A basket  of  sweet  peas  was  then  passed  to  the  girls,  a 
different  color  of  flower  for  each  one.  A similar  basket 
was  passed  to  the  boys,  and  the  search  for  partners  began. 
The  boy  with  the  yellow  sweet  pea  became  the  partner  of 
the  girl  with  the  yellow  flower.  The  boy  with  the  white 
found  the  girl  with  the  white,  etc.  The  table  was  strewn 
with  sweet  peas,  a cut-glass  bowl  of  sweet  peas  graced  the 
centre,  and  on  each  napkin  was  pinned  a small  bunch  of 
the  flowers. 


CHILDREN’S  TOM  THUMB  ENTERTAINMENT 

For  a children’s  party  try  the  following  device : Place 
four  chairs  in  one  end  of  the  room  and  throw  over  them  a 
large  blanket  or  shawl  to  cover  them  completely  down  to 
the  floor.  Have  some  one  double  up  his  hands  into  fists, 
and  on  the  back  of  the  hands,  with  a piece  of  charcoal, 
paint  eyes,  nose  and  mouth,  and  on  one  of  them  paint  a 
moustache.  Put  dolls’  dresses  on  the  arms,  reaching  down 
to  the  elbows.  Put  hoods  or  caps  on  the  hands.  Let  the 
person  thus  prepared  crawl  in  between  the  chairs,  and  rest' 
ing  the  elbows  on  the  floor,  hold  his  forearms  perpendicu- 
lar, so  that  the  backs  of  the  hands  will  be  facing  the  au- 
dience. All  the  rest  of  the  person’s  body  should  be  con- 
cealed, of  course,  under  the  shawl.  Call  these  two  little 
people  Tom  Thumb  and  his  wife.  Have  some  one  for 
their  manager,  who  should  stand  in  front  of  the  chairs  and 
tell  them  what  to  do.  The  manager  should  explain  why 
Tom  has  a dress  on.  He  can  have  them  perform  a num- 
ber of  clever  tricks,  such  as  bowing  to  the  audience,  kiss- 
ing each  other,  pushing  each  other,  etc.  They  can  answer 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  43 

questions  in  a little,  fine  voice,  or  say,  “ How  do  you 
do?” 

It  will  be  found  that  this  entertainment  will  please  the 
little  folks  immensely. 


CHILDREN’S  VALENTINE  PARTY 

From  sheets  of  pink  and  creamy  tinted  paper,  cut  the 
requisite  number  of  hearts — two  for  each  invitation — and 
form  into  envelopes  by  pasting  a pink  heart  and  a creamy 
tinted  one  together  along  the  edges,  except  at  the  large 
end,  which  must  be  left  open  to  hold  the  written  invitation. 
On  a slightly  smaller  heart  of  thinner  paper,  write  the  fol- 
lowing doggerel : 

“ From  half-past  six  to  half-past  nine, 

I pray  you  to  be  guest  of  mine. 

With  Valentine,  their  patron  Saint, 

Sure  all  good  lovers  are  acquaint ; 

So  in  his  honor  kindly  spend 
A pleasant  evening  with  a friend.” 

Slip  this  in  the  envelope  formed  by  the  two  hearts,  hav- 
ing first  glued  to  the  indentation  at  the  larger  end  of  the 
small  heart  a loop  of  baby  ribbon  by  which  to  pull  it  out. 
On  the  white  side  of  the  envelope  write  the  name  and  ad- 
dress ; on  the  pink  side,  an  older  sister  may  draw  cunning 
little  Cupids,  or  hearts  transfixed  with  little  arrows. 

Cut  from  pink  paper  as  many  hearts  as  there  are  to  be 
boys,  but  no  two  of  these  hearts  must  be  of  the  same  size ; 
cut  from  gilt  paper  the  same  number  of  hearts,  one  for 
each  girl,  matching  in  size  those  cut  from  the  pink  paper. 

When  the  guests  arrive,  give  each  boy  a pink  and  each 
girl  a gilt  heart.  When  a boy  finds  the  girl  who  holds  a 
gilt  heart  matching  in  size  his  pink  one,  they  are  partners 
for  the  evening.  In  this  search  all  formality  will  have 
worn  off. 

Cupid’s  Darts  will  pass  a jolly  half  hour.  Make  a large 


44  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

heart  of  several  layers  of  pink  tissue  paper,  and  fill  it 
loosely  with  bonbons ; encase  this  in  a slightly  larger 
heart  of  open-meshed  bobinet ; hang  on  the  wall  on  one 
side  of  the  room  by  two  loops  sewed  to  the  large,  upper 
part  of  the  heart.  Provide  a toy  bow  and  arrow,  and  let 
each  child  in  turn  shoot  at  the  heart.  The  arrows  will  re- 
main sticking  in  the  lace  and  paper,  and  the  one  whose 
arrow  comes  nearest  the  centre  receives  the  first  prize — a 
heart-shaped  box  of  candy. 

Also  provide  small  heart-shaped  boxes  filled  with  candies 
for  each  child  to  take  home. 

For  refreshments,  make  sandwiches  from  heart-shaped 
pieces  of  bread  cut  with  a cake  cutter ; bake  the  cakes  in 
heart-shaped  tins,  and  have  the  ices  frozen  in  the  same 
design. 

As  red  and  pink  are  the  proper  colors  for  decoration  on 
this  day,  it  will  be  a pretty  idea  to  have  the  lemonade  col- 
ored pink  with  fruit  juice. 

Pretty  favors  can  be  made  from  crepe  tissue-paper. 
Flowers,  bonbon  boxes,  handkerchief-cases,  and  many 
another  trifle,  will  please  the  young  folks,  more  especially 
if  they  are  the  work  of  their  little  hostess’s  own  hands. 

CHINESE  PARTY 

Invitations  should  read  as  follows : 

Come  to  the  Chinese  Tea  Party 
and  help  eat 
Rice  and  Rats 

Prepared  and  Served  by  Chinese  Girls 

at Church  m 

Monday  Evening , Jan.  4th . 

You  can  stimulate  interest  in  the  heathen  wonderfully 
by  inviting  them  to  come,  with  all  their  bag  and  baggage, 
and  pay  your  society  a visit.  Have  booths  in  the  room 
representing  the  countries  in  which  the  church  is  doing 


45 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

missionary  work.  Let  the  attendants  be  costumed  like  the 
natives,  and  all  the  appointments  of  the  booths  suggest  the 
life  of  the  countries  represented.  When  curiosity  is  thus 
piqued,  information  about  these  mission  lands  may  be 
circulated  by  the  help  of  questions  on  cards  to  be  passed 
around.  Write  the  questions  in  black  ink,  and  underneath, 
in  red  ink,  the  answer  to  one  of  the  other  questions.  It 
will  require  a pretty  lively  interchange  of  cards  for  each 
one  to  find  the  answer  to  his  question. 

The  committee  should  try  to  make  this  evening  as 
attractive  as  possible,  and  if  it  can  be  arranged  all  the 
members  should  appear  in  Chinese  costume.  In  the  centre 
of  the  church  room,  fit  up  a booth,  covered  with  a large 
Chinese  umbrella,  and  around  it  place  small  tables  on 
which  to  serve  refreshments.  This  can  be  made  to  look 
like  a Chinese  garden.  Rice  and  rats  can  be  served  as 
follows : Boil  rice  until  rather  stiff  and  turn  it  into  cups 
to  cool.  After  ready  to  serve  turn  upside  down  in  dishes 
and  serve  each  dish  with  a candy  rat  on  top.  The  rice 
should  be  served  with  cream  and  sugar.  Also  have  tea 
and  wafers.  A small  fee  can  be  charged  for  refreshments 
to  go  to  missionary  purposes.  Of  course  no  one  but  the 
committee  should  know  what  the  “ rice  and  rats  ” is  to  be, 
as  it  would  spoil  the  fun.  A nice  idea  would  be  to  give 
chopsticks  as  souvenirs. 

CHRISTMAS  COSTUME  PARTY 

The  invitations  for  a Christmas  party  of  this  sort  should 
be  enclosed  in  white  envelopes  decorated  with  holly  and 
should  read  as  follows  : 

Master , as  “ Winter ,” 

and  Miss , as  “ Christmas ,” 

will  be  glad  to  receive  the  “ Months  n 
on  Thursday  evening , 

December  the  twenty -fourth. 


46  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

In  the  lower  left-hand  corner  of  each,  above  the  address, 
should  be  indicated  the  character  which  the  little  guest  is 
to  represent,  as,  for  instance:  “ Please  represent  July.” 
Have  the  little  host  and  hostess  represent  “ Winter  ” and 
“ Christmas.” 

When  the  children  arrive  let  them  find  a throne  built  of 
dry-goods  boxes,  covered  with  Canton  flannel  with  the 
fuzzy  side  out,  well  sprinkled  with  diamond  dust  and  tufts 
of  cotton,  and  above  the  throne  a canopy  made  of  ever- 
green boughs.  Dip  some  of  the  boughs  first  in  a weak 
solution  of  gum-arabic  and  then  in  flour,  and  sprinkle 
them  with  diamond  dust ; hang  others  in  alum  water  until 
crystals  form  over  the  foliage. 

Dress  the  little  host  in  a suit  of  white  cambric  well 
bespangled  with  crystal  beads  and  glass  pendants.  Let 
him  wear  white  slippers  and  stockings,  and  over  one 
shoulder  a white  shawl  covered  with  artificial  frost.  On 
his  head  place  a jaunty  white  beaver  hat  decorated  with  a 
long  white  plume. 

The  little  hostess  should  wear  a white  dress  of  soft,  fluffy 
material,  trimmed  with  holly  and  mistletoe,  and  red  stock- 
ings and  slippers. 

Seated  upon  the  throne,  beside  one  another,  they  should 
receive  their  guests,  who  should  appear  in  the  characters 
indicated  upon  their  invitations.  After  all  the  children 
have  been  welcomed  let  them  form  in  line,  with  “ Winter  ” 
and  “ Christmas”  leading,  and  march  up-stairs  and  down 
to  the  music  of  piano  and  violin. 

The  children  might  then  be  shown  some  views  of  Bethle- 
hem and  the  Christ-Child  and  told  or  read  a Christmas 
story.  Just  before  going-home  time  some  “ grown-up  ” 
person,  dressed  to  represent  Santa  Claus,  might  come  in 
and  deposit  his  pack  in  the  dining-room  and  distribute 
some  little  gifts.  Then  some  simple  refreshments  should 
be  served  before  the  children  go  home. 


47 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 


CHRISTMAS  MENU  AND  TABLE  DECORATIONS 


Ottoman  Country  Roasted  and  Gorged 
Red  Swamp  Fruit  Sauce. 

Hilbernia’s  Pride  Crushed. 

Eucurbita  Maxima  Crushed. 

Stalks  of  Kalamazoo. 

Bivalves  Nestled. 

Dough  Baked. 

Cream  Churned. 

Lover’s  Test. 

Curd  Pressed. 

Arabian  Nectar  and  Bossy’s  Best. 
Rosy  Cheeks  and  Bossy’s  Best. 
Cherub’s  Diet. 

Nature’s  Food. 

Squirrel’s  Dependence. 

Sweet  Compound. 


(Roast  Turkey) 
(Cranberry  Sauce) 
(Mashed  Potatoes) 
(Mashed  Squash) 
(Celery) 
(Escalloped  Oysters) 
(Bread) 
(Butter) 
(Pickles) 
(Cheese) 
(Coffee  and  Cream) 
(Peach  Sherbet) 
(Angel’s  Food) 
(Fruit) 
(Mixed  Nuts) 
(Candy) 


Select  for  your  color  scheme  red  and  green.  Set  the 
dining-table  in  the  centre  of  the  room  directly  under  the 
chandelier.  To  the  latter  fasten  a large  bunch  of  holly 
with  plenty  of  red  berries,  and  make  garlands  of  evergreen 
to  reach  from  the  chandelier  to  the  four  corners  of  the 
table,  fastening  each  one  to  the  table-cloth  with  a bow  of  red 
ribbon.  Have  plenty  of  holly  berries  in  the  garlands  of 
evergreen.  If  holly  is  dipped  in  a strong  solution  of  alum 
water  and  dried  in  the  sun,  it  will  have  the  effect  of  being 
frosted.  Have  a red  carnation  with  a sprig  of  green  laid 
at  each  plate.  Red  and  green  paper  napkins  should  be 
used.  Have  pretty  side  dishes  of  red  and  green  things, 
such  as  red  apples,  red  and  green  grapes,  and  all  kinds  of 
red  and  green  bonbons.  The  first  column  of  the  menu  as 
given  should  be  printed  or  written  and  laid  at  each  plate, 
for  the  guests  to  study  while  the  courses  are  being  served. 


48  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

CHRISTMAS  UMBRELLA  GAME 

Take  a large  umbrella — an  old  one  will  do — wind  the 
handle  with  bright  yellow  ribbon  and  line  the  body  with 
red  percaline  as  near  the  color  of  holly  berries  as  possible. 
Be  sure  to  shape  the  lining  so  that  it  will  not  sag.  Cover 
the  outside  with  green  percaline  and  finish  the  top  with 
sprigs  of  holly  and  a bow  of  red  and  green  ribbon.  Trim 
the  edge  of  the  umbrella  with  a row  of  tiny  bells  and  wind 
the  ribs  with  crepe  or  tissue  paper  the  same  color  as  the 
lining ; do  this  the  last  thing  so  that  it  will  not  come  un- 
done. 

Select  small  appropriate  gifts  for  the  young  guests;  con- 
ceal them  within  dainty  wrappings  and  tie  them  with 
ribbon  to  the  ribs  of  the  umbrella.  When  ready  for  the 
game  let  the  children  form  a circle  and  choose  one  of  their 
number  to  stand  in  the  centre  and  hold  the  umbrella. 
The  children  may  then  dance  around  singing : 

“ Merrily  ’round  this  Christmas  ring, 

Dancing  gayly  as  we  sing. 

What  would  this  umbrella  bring 
If  we  changed  to  hippetty-hop 
And  our  hostess  called  out  ‘ stop  ’ ? ” 

When  singing  “ hippetty-hop  ” let  the  children  hop 
around  instead  of  dancing,  and  when  the  hostess  calls  out 
“ stop  ” the  child  with  the  umbrella  raises  it  over  his  head 
and  the  present  which  sways  longest  belongs  to  him.  He 
unties  it,  and  as  he  does  so  he  hands  the  umbrella  to 
another  child,  whose  place  he  takes  in  the  circle,  and  so 
on  until  all  the  children  have  had  a chance  to  hold  the 
umbrella  and  receive  one  of  the  gifts  which  hang  from  it. 

After  the  game  the  umbrella  may  be  given  to  the  child 
who  receives  the  largest  number  of  votes  as  a souvenir  of 
the  evening. 

If  one  does  not  wish  the  trouble  of  trimming  an  um- 
brella as  described  above,  a Japanese  umbrella  may  be 
purchased  for  a small  sum,  and  will  be  equally  appropriate. 


49 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

CHURCH  BAZAAR  SUGGESTIONS 

For  an  Orange  Grove. — Evergreen  trees  should  be 
procured  and  placed  about  the  hall  to  make  it  resemble  a 
grove.  The  oranges  may  be  made  of  a wad  of  cotton,  in- 
closing a trinket,  covered  with  orange-colored  tissue  paper. 
Hang  them  on  the  trees  and  let  each  purchaser  select  the 
one  he  wants,  paying  a nominal  sum  for  it. 

Other  attractions  may  be  a booth  where  real  oranges 
may  be  bought ; a well  from  which  orangeade  is  dispensed  ; 
a booth  for  articles  of  fancy-work  made  in  shades  of  orange, 
and  one  for  orange-flavored  cakes  and  candies. 

The  booths  should,  of  course,  be  draped  in  orange  color, 
relieved  by  touches  of  white,  the  attendants'  costumes  be- 
ing of  the  same  shade.  Orange  blossoms,  made  of  tissue 
paper,  will  add  daintiness  to  the  decorations. 

An  unoccupied  house  is  a most  convenient  place  to  hold 
a fair.  Each  room  may  be  devoted  to  some  special  at- 
traction ; one  for  the  supper,  one  for  the  evening's  enter- 
tainment, one  for  the  fortune-teller,  and  so  on.  This  idea 
is  admirable  for  an  affair  of  the  nations,  devoting  one  room 
to  each  country  and  its  characteristics. 

Seats  should  be  provided  in  the  grove  where  the  visitors 
may  be  refreshed  with  orange  ice,  or  orange  gelatine  and 
cake  at  a moderate  price. 

If  there  is  a small  room  adjoining  the  hall  in  which  the 
fair  is  held  it  may  be  fitted  up  to  represent  a tropical  scene. 
This  would  be  the  place  to  sell  rubber  plants,  palms,  ferns, 
etc.  Long  clusters  of  bananas  hung  amid  the  foliage  will 
make  the  scene  more  realistic. 

A tulip  bed  is  one  of  the  prettiest  ways  of  hiding  sur- 
prise packages.  A portion  of  the  floor  should  be  marked 
off  in  a square  and  enclosed  with  boards  one  foot  high, 
painted  green.  Fill  this  bed  with  sawdust  and  plant  paper 
tulips  in  all  colors.  Have  a package  tied  to  the  end  of 


50  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

each  tulip,  making  the  flower  stand  firm  when  planted. 
Each  purchaser  pulls  up  any  flower  he  chooses. 

Although  brown  seems  a sombre  color  for  a fair  booth, 
it  may  really  be  used  most  effectively.  Have  the  booth 
made  oblong  with  a counter  across  the  front  and  have  each 
end  covered  with  brown  crepe  paper  with  frilled  edges ; 
have  also  a brown  curtain  below  the  counter  hanging  to 
the  floor.  Have  the  roof,  and  the  posts  supporting  it, 
covered  with  the  russet  leaves  of  the  chestnut-tree,  while 
around  the  roof  a fringe  of  chestnut  burrs  is  hung.  At 
one  end  .of  the  booth  serve  hot  chocolate  with  whipped 
cream ; at  the  other  have  all  kinds  of  nuts  on  sale ; and  in 
front  have  a display  of  chocolate  and  nut  cakes  and 
candies.  In  arranging  for  any  sort  of  church  entertain- 
ment remember  that  elaborate  accessories  are  not  of  so 
much  importance  as  the  display  of  cleverness  in  the  carry 
ing  out  of  the  ideas  which  form  the  basis  of  the  entertain- 
ment. 


COBWEB  SOCIABLE 

First,  wind  strings  all  over  the  house  before  the  arrival 
of  the  company.  Suspend  a rope  diagonally  across  one 
corner  of  the  room,  over  which  the  ends  of  the  strings  can 
hang,  each  one  numbered  : Numbers  are  to  be  given  each 
one  of  the  guests,  and  each  is  to  hunt  the  string  that  has 
his  number  on  it.  A sheet  can  be  hung  across  this  end  of 
the  room  hiding  everything  from  view  until  time  for  wind- 
ing. Have  some  games  ready  to  play  for  the  amusement 
of  guests  until  all  have  arrived.  As  soon  as  all  the  com- 
pany gathers,  the  sheet  can  be  removed  and  all  commence 
hunting  their  numbers  at  once.  They  are  told  to  go  wher- 
ever the  string  leads,  but  they  may  not  succeed  as  the 
strings  should  be  through  keyholes,  under  beds,  out  of 
doors,  around  the  house,  in  at  the  windows,  and  every 
place  where  they  can  be  put. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  51 

Plenty  of  fun  can  be  had  if  every  one  enters  into  the 
game  and  keeps  it  up  until  finished.  Bananas  and  cake 
can  be  served  at  this  sociable  or  any  other  light  refresh- 
ments desired. 


CONUNDRUM  TEA 

1.  A survivor  of  the  flood  (Ham). 

2.  Woman  of  grit  (sandwich). 

3.  Cattle  in  a railroad  disaster  (dried  beef). 

4.  Impertinence  (apple  “ sass  ”). 

5.  Spring’s  offering  (water). 

6.  For  old  maids  and  bachelors  (pickles). 

7.  Tabby’s  party  (cat  sup). 

8.  Boston’s  overthrow  (tea). 

9.  What  all  people  need  (bread  and  butter). 

10.  New  England  brains  (baked  beans). 

11.  Young  man’s  sweetheart  (honey). 

12.  An  unruly  member  (tongue). 

13.  Sahara  (dessert). 

14.  Tree  cake  (cocoanut  cake). 

Extras 

15.  Love’s  symbol  (doughnuts). 

16.  What  I do  when  I mash  my  finger  (ice  cream). 

17.  A mass  of  types  (pie). 

Note . — Each  society  can  use  their  own  judgment  about 
the  price  to  be  -charged.  A certain  amount  may  be 
charged  for  the  entire  supper,  or  each  article  may  have  a 
price  affixed,  such  as  two  cents,  four  cents,  three  cents, 
and  so  forth. 


COOK  BOOK  SALE 

Every  lady  in  the  church  was  asked  to  make,  from  sheets 
of  brown  wrapping  paper,  ten  paper  books  of  uniform 
size,  four  and  one-half  by  six  inches,  sewing  them  to  con- 


52  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

fine  the  leaves.  The  paper  was  two  cents  a sheet,  and 
five  sheets  would  make  the  ten  books. 

In  each  book,  clear  and  explicit  written  directions  for 
ten  of  the  best  miscellaneous  recipes  that  she  used  in 
cooking  were  to  be  contributed  by  each  one,  the  same 
recipes  to  be  in  the  ten  books  furnished,  and  signed  by 
the  one  contributing  them. 

The  ten  recipes  included  one  soup,  one  salad,  one 
made-over  dish,  one  cake  recipe,  one  cooky  recipe,  two 
muffin  or  gem  recipes,  and  three  dessert  recipes. 

One  week  was  allowed  for  this  work,  then  the  books 
were  sent  where  the  sale  was  to  take  place.  There  were 
five  hundred  books  in  all,  fifty  ladies  having  responded  to 
the  request. 

In  the  meantime,  invitations  had  been  sent  to  the  mem- 
bers of  the  other  two  churches  in  the  town,  and  to  the 
summer  visitors,  and  the  vestry-rooms  were  crowded  the 
evening  of  the  sale. 

The  books  were  offered  for  sale  at  five  cents  each,  and 
in  less  than  an  hour  all  were  sold,  those  contributed  by 
housekeepers  famous  for  their  cooking  being  in  great  de- 
mand, while  all  were  of  more  or  less  interest  in  a town 
where  every  one  is  well  known. 

After  the  sale  of  the  recipes,  the  real  sport  of  the  enter- 
tainment began.  Each  lady  who  contributed  recipes  also 
brought  a sample  of  cake  made  from  the  cake  recipe  she 
had  given.  These  samples  were  of  all  sizes,  wrapped  in 
waxed  paper  and  tagged  with  the  maker’s  name.  They 
were  auctioned  off  without  being  undone,  the  name  at- 
tached to  the  tag  being  read  by  the  auctioneer,  and  much 
merriment  was  occasioned  by  the  witty,  bright  way  in 
which  he  drew  attention  not  only  to  the  cake,  but  to  the 
one  who  made  it. 

If  desired,  such  an  auction  sale  may  be  held  without  the 
cook  book  sale  preceding,  whole  and  cut  cakes,  cookies, 
doughnuts,  etc,  being  used.  As  the  cakes  are  wrapped  and 
no  one  knows  what  he  is  buying,  much  amusement  results. 


53 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

COOKY  SOCIABLE 

Cut  paper  into  pieces  the  shape  and  size  of  a cooky. 
Write  a proverb  on  each  one,  then  cut  each  paper  cooky 
into  tv/o  parts,  each  in  a different  manner,  so  that  no  two 
cookies  will  be  cut  alike.  One  set  of  halves  is  to  be  given 
to  the  ladies,  and  the  other  to  the  gentlemen.  Each 
person  present  then  proceeds  to  match  the  half  cooky  he 
has  ; when  found,  the  proverb  should  read  correctly.  The 
couple  who  match  halves  eat  refreshments  together.  It  is 
very  nice  to  have  some  one  play  a march  on  the  piano  while 
the  matched  partners  form  in  line  two  by  two  and  march 
to  the  supper-room.  For  refreshments  serve  all  kinds, 
shapes,  and  sizes  of  cookies  with  coffee  or  lemonade. 


CORN-HUSKING  BEE 

Late  in  October,  when  the  corn  has  matured  and  been 
stacked  in  the  barn,  the  following  informal  invitations  may 
be  sent  out  to  all  the  neighboring  young  people : 

You  are  cordially  invited 
to  a Corn  Husking  to  be  held  in 
Martin  Matt  ice' s Barn 
On  the  evening  of  October  the  thirty-first 
at  eight  o'  clock. 


Previous  to  the  evening  mentioned  the  ears  of  corn  are 
stripped  from  the  stalks  and  formed  into  two  huge  piles 
upon  the  barn  floor.  Lanterns  should  be  hung  here  and 
there  upon  the  beams  to  give  the  necessary  light,  and  stools 
provided  for  the  workers.  The  company,  on  arrival,  is  di- 
vided equally,  one  half  being  assigned  to  one  pile,  the 
other  half  to  pile  number  two,  and  the  contest  begins,  each 
division  striving  to  finish  its  pile  first.  'The  husks  must  be 
entirely  removed  from  each  ear,  and  whoever  first  discloses 


54  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

to  view  a red  ear  is  considered  especially  fortunate,  as  the 
first  red  ear  shown  is  supposed  to  bring  good  luck  to  its 
possessor. 

After  all  the  ears  have  been  husked  the  winner  of  the  red 
ear  is  escorted  in  state  to  the  house,  where  a warm  fire 
(always  an  open  one,  if  possible)  and  a supper  are  waiting. 

Corn  Supper 

Decorate  the  walls  of  the  room  in  which  the  supper  is  to 
be  served  with  as  much  green  as  can  be  procured  at  this 
season  of  the  year.  Procure  a dozen  pumpkins,  remove 
the  pulp,  cutting  a hole  at  the  top  of  the  shell ; cut  also 
four  stars  in  the  sides  of  each  pumpkin,  cover  with  light 
yellow  paper  and  place  candles  inside.  These  lanterns, 
being  set  in  various  convenient  spots  about  the  room  and 
lighted  just  before  the  supper  is  served,  shed  a corn-colored 
glow  over  the  room.  In  the  centre  of  the  table  arrange  a 
vase  filled  with  any  late  autumn  yellow  flowers — dahlias, 
chrysanthemums  or  marigolds ; place  candles  at  each  end 
of  the  table  screened  by  yellow  crepe  paper  shades.  The 
refreshments  may  consist  of  egg  and  lemon-butter  sand- 
wiches, cornbread,  chicken  salad,  sponge  cake,  gold  cake, 
lemon  ice  cream  and  lemon  water  ice,  cup  oustards,  honey 
in  the  comb,  lemonade  and  coffee. 


DUTCH  PARTY 

For  decorations : Holland’s  national  colors,  blue  and 
red ; Dutch  flags ; tulips ; crepe  paper  in  Delft  designs, 
etc.  Instead  of  tally  cards  each  guest  may  be  furnished  a 
little  wooden  shoe  on  a Delft-blue  ribbon.  Tiny  pretzels 
are  slipped  on  the  ribbon  for  games  won,  the  shoe  keeping 
them  from  slipping  off  at  the  other  end.  Large  wooden 
shoes  may  be  used  for  bonbons  and  nuts  at  the  tables. 
For  prizes : handsome  steins  and  pipes,  a pair  of  burnt 
wood  Holland  shoes,  Delft  placques,  Dutch  pictures, 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  55 

novelties  decorated  with  quaint  Dutch  figures,  a poster  of 
Queen  Wilhelmina,  etc. 

The  supper  table  may  have  for  its  centrepiece  a large 
blue  stein  with  red  tulips  tumbling  out  of  it.  Delft  china 
and  paper  napkins  are  appropriate,  and  a menu  of  Dutch 
dishes : 

Oysters  Omelet 

Smoked  Herring 

Creamed  Codfish  or  Finna  Haddie  in  Chafing  Dish 
Cold  Meat,  in  very  thick  slices 
Pickled  Eggs,  Pickled  Beets,  Pickled  Onions 
Cucumbers,  Lemons  and  Prawns 
Cold  Slaw 

Fish  or  Potato  Salad  Cheese  Sandwiches 

Rye  Bread,  in  very  thin  slices 
Cheese 

Honey  Cakes  Oval  Cinnamon  Cakes 

Pancakes,  size  of  a silver  quarter 
Coffee  and  Chocolate 

EASTER  EGG  PIUNT 

An  Easter  egg  hunt  will  furnish  plenty  of  amusement  for 
an  Easter  party. 

The  nests  are  made  of  paper  moss.  In  them  are  placed 
eggs  of  different  varieties,  some  genuine  hard  boiled  eggs, 
some  of  china  or  wood  and  some  of  candy.  The  wooden 
eggs  should  contain  tiny  ducks  or  chickens.  The  nests  are 
hidden  in  every  nook  and  corner  of  the  house.  The  guests 
are  then  bidden  to  go  nest  hunting,  and  a half  hour  is 
given  for  the  hunt.  Each  guest  is  given  a little  fancy 
basket  in  which  to  gather  his  eggs.  The  one  securing  the 
greatest  number  of  eggs  is  given  a prize  of  a large  fancy  egg. 

The  baskets  and  eggs  may  be  retained  as  souvenirs. 

EASTER  LUNCHEON 

Of  course,  silver  and  glassware  must  be  sparkling,  and 
the  white  cloth  spotless,  or,  if  one  wishes,  luncheon  scarfs 
and  mats  or  doilies  are  equally  popular,  and  a highly 


56  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

polished  table  is  a bit  less  formal  than  the  regular  dinner 
cloth.  A centrepiece  of  gold  cloth  or  of  any  yellow  silken 
material  is  effective — the  edges  may  be  quickly  overcast 
by  heavy  rope  silk  in  long  and  short  stitch.  A bunch  of 
Easter  lily  sprays  in  a bowl  or  gold  and  white  vase  crown 
the  whole.  If  one  can  arrange  to  have  the  china  gold  and 
white  it  is  very  pretty ; but  every  hostess  must  consult  her 
own  china  store  and  plan  accordingly. 

Napkins  stiffly  folded  at  each  place  can  hold  an  artifi- 
cial lily,  which  carries  in  its  heart  a tiny  candy  box. 
These  lilies  can  be  bought  at  some  caterer’s  or  made  at 
home  very  easily.  Stiff  wire — yet  not  so  stiff  as  not  to 
bend  in  any  desired  shape — can  form  the  skeleton.  The 
stem  is  made  of  five  wires  woven  together,  green  paper  be- 
ing twisted  over  them  and  at  the  top ; each  separate  wire 
is  bent  out  to  form  a foundation  for  each  white  petal,  made 
of  white  crepe  paper,  easily  shaped  and  pasted  in  place. 
A little  practice  will  show  the  amateur  that  this  is  not  at 
all  difficult.  A pill  box  covered  with  gold  paper  can  be 
pressed  down  in  the  heart  of  the  lily,  the  top  being 
covered  with  stamens  made  of  gold  paper  shredded  and 
twisted. 

Lilies  of  the  same  type,  only  larger  with  larger  boxes 
having  no  covers,  can  form  the  bonbon  boxes.  These 
must  be  even  more  conventional,  as  they  have  no  stems, 
resting  directly  on  the  table.  The  menu  should  be  simple. 

When  the  luncheon  is  over  and  the  guests  have  left  the 
dining-room  for  the  drawing-room,  a new  edition  of  the 
old  cobweb  game  makes  merry  fun  and  is  arranged  as  fol- 
lows : A huge  flower- pot  is  placed  on  the  centre  of  the 
table,  in  which  are  planted  some  artificial  lilies  to  carry 
out  the  idea,  and  under  the  flower-pot  are  gathered  the 
ends  of  many  strings,  each  one  of  which  must  be  appropri- 
ated by  a guest.  These  strings  cross  and  intercross  about 
furniture  and  corners  of  course,  and  give  opportunities  for 
many  tete-a-tetes.  Here  and  there  some  little  verses  may 
be  tied  if  it  is  wished  to  add  fun  to  the  quest. 


57 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

» Do  not  faint,  oh,  maid,  I beg, 

You  shall  find  a golden ” 

“ Gather  roses  while  you  may ; 

Gather  them — the  livelong  day.” 

And  many  another  nonsense  couplet  to  suit  the  company 
and  occasion. 

At  the  end  of  each  string  must  be  found  a candy  Easter 
egg,  or  a hollow  egg  containing  some  little  trinket. 

EASTER  SOCIABLE 

Have  printed  programs  sent  out  with  the  following  an- 
nouncement (any  name  can  be  substitued  for  the  East  End 
Connett  Y)  : 

An  eggs -el lent  plan  has  been  adopted  by 
the  East  End  Connett  Y,  to  eggs-haust  the 
eggs -pence  of  sending  a delegate  to  the  State  Convention . 

We  shall  hold  an  Egg  Social. 

The  eggs-pence  of  admission  is  eggs-actly  ten  cents . 

We  mean  to  have  an  eggs-ellent  time. 

You  are  urged  to  eggs-ert  yourself  to  come  and 
eggs -amine  for  yourself. 

You  can  eggs-pect  to  have  lots  of  fun  at  small  eggs-pence . 
An  eggs-ellent  committee  will  wait  upon  you. 

Plenty  of  eggs  will  be  served. 

Eggs- it  at  your  pleasure. 

N.  B . — Plenty  of  Easter  Egg  novelties  ivill  be  sold. 

A fruit-stand  covered  with  moss  and  twigs,  and  arranged 
to  represent  a nest  filled  with  eggs  and  placed  upon  a bed 
of  moss  should  form  the  central  decoration  for  the  table. 
Around  the  nest  four  large  rabbit  bonbonnieres  should  be 
placed,  with  pieces  of  baby  ribbon  of  all  colors  fastened  to 
their  forepaws  and  running  out  to  or  below  the  edge  of  the 
table,  each  ribbon  being  strung  with  eggs.  Between  the 


58  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

four  large  rabbits  four  smaller  ones  should  peer  out  from 
under  the  nest  between  the  ribbons. 

Provide  each  person  present  with  a dime,  lead-pencil,  and 
sheet  of  paper,  upon  which  the  following  list  is  printed. 

Find  upon  the  dime  the  following  articles : 

1.  Fruit  of  a tropical  tree,  (date) 

2.  What  the  Siamese  twins  were.  (United) 

3.  What  a lazy  man  seldom  gets,  (ahead) 

4.  The  division  of  a country,  (states) 

5.  The  cradle  of  liberty.  (America) 

6.  Something  a schoolboy  makes,  (figures) 

7.  An  instrument  to  catch  sound,  (ear) 

8.  The  number  a miser  takes  care  of.  (one) 

9.  What  makes  the  forest  green,  (foliage) 

10.  Something  a bootblack  likes  to  give,  (shine) 

Of  course  the  answers  are  not  printed,  but  are  kept  by 
the  committee  for  reference.  A prize  of  one  dime  can  be 
given  the  one  with  the  most  correct  answers.  Any  kind 
of  Easter  novelties  can  be  sold  for  a dime.  For  refresh- 
ments serve  eggs  in  every  form,  with  bread  and  butter  and 
coffee,  for  one  dime. 

FAIRIES’  GARDEN 

A clever  scheme  for  a church  fair  is  the  “Fairies’  Gar- 
den,” which  is  nothing  more  than  the  old  grab-bag  in  a 
new  dress.  One  seen  recently  was  set  up  near  a booth 
trimmed  with  evergreens,  with  a fence  made  of  “ cat- tails,” 
planted  about  four  inches  apart,  enclosing  it  in  front.  To 
this  the  people  who  were  present  flocked,  and  were  free, 
on  the  payment  of  a small  sum,  to  pull  a flower  or  vegeta- 
ble as  they  should  see  fit.  Within  and  at  the  back  of  the 
inclosure  was  a trellis  made  of  wire  netting  with  the  largest 
holes  procurable,  covered  with  vines,  among  which  nestled 
pink  paper  roses.  In  each  rose  a small  present  was  hid- 
den from  view. 


59 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

Then  there  was  a “pond,”  made  of  a tin  boiler  banked 
with  stones  and  moss,  and  filled  with  water,  on  which 
floated  water  lilies  and  leaves.  To  each  lily  was  tied  a 
weighted  present,  such  as  the  water  could  not  injure. 

A bed  of  real  goldenrod  planted  in  a box  of  sawdust, 
with  the  presents  tied  to  the  stems  of  the  flowers  and  buried 
in  the  sawdust,  completed  the  flower  garden. 

The  vegetable  bed  fully  repaid  for  all  the  time  and 
trouble  spent  upon  it.  It  was  an  enclosure  of  four  boards, 
filled  with  sawdust,  the  vegetables  being  made  of  paper 
and  filled  with  cotton  and  the  presents.  After  the  vegeta- 
bles and  flowers  were  planted  the  beds  were  covered  with  moss. 

A few  signs  added  to  the  effect,  such  as  “ Great  South- 
Sea  Bubble’  ’ for  the  cabbage  bed,  and  “ Please  do  not 
pull  the  cats’  tails.  By  order  of  the  Society  for  the  Preven- 
tion of  Cruelty  to  Animals,”  for  the  cat-tail  fence. 

Carrots,  beets,  onions  and  cabbages  answered  the  purpose 
well,  being  of  convenient  shapes  and  very  easily  made.  The 
carrots  were  made  on  a cornucopia  of  stiff  brown  paper,  in 
which  the  present  was  put,  and  then  the  cornucopia  was  cov- 
ered with  plain  carrot-colored  tissue  paper,  closed  at  the  top, 
painted  to  imitate  the  creases  in  a carrot,  and  ornamented  with 
a small  tuft  of  leaves  cut  from  green  tissue  paper.  The  beets 
were  stuffed  with  cotton,  in  which  the  present  was  con- 
cealed, and  then  covered  with  the  proper  colored  tissue 
paper.  The  onion  bulbs  were  covered  with  crinkled  cream- 
white  tissue  paper,  and  the  tops  were  made  of  stiff  white 
paper  spills,  or  lamp-lighters,  covered  with  dark  green  tis- 
sue paper.  The  cabbages  were  of  pale  green  and  yellow — 
almost  cream  color — crinkled  tissue  paper,  wound  around 
the  central  ball  of  cotton  ; the  paper  was  cut  and  pulled 
out  in  the  shape  of  leaves,  or  twisted  to  form  the  stalk. 

There  were  four  little  girls  dressed  as  “ flower  fairies,” 
who  kept  the  garden  in  order,  and  helped  in  many  ways, 
looking  very  effective  in  their  costumes  of  a “ morning- 
glory,”  a “ daffy-down-dilly,”  a yellow  and  white  “ daisy,” 
and  a “ wild  rose.” 


6o 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

FEAST  OF  SEVEN  TABLES 

This  feast  if  well  planned  and  carried  out  is  most  pleas- 
ing in  its  results.  There  are  seven  tables.  These  tables 
are  set  in  white,  with  centrepieces  and  other  decorations 
to  carry  out  the  color  scheme.  Have  first  table  near  the 
door,  and  others  arranged  according  to  the  menu,  which 
can  be  changed  to  suit  the  seasons.  It  is  necessary  to 
have  two  sets  of  waiters,  the  first  to  clear  away,  and  the 
second  to  furnish  fresh  supplies.  All  must  dress  to  har- 
monize with  the  colors  of  their  tables.  Serve  food  in  small 
quantities  and  in  small  dishes.  At  the  ringing  of  a bell 
seven  guests  are  seated  at  the  first  table.  At  the  expiration 
of  seven  minutes,  the  bell  again  rings,  and  those  at  the  first 
table  pass  to  the  second  table,  and  seven  other  guests  are 
permitted  to  enter  the  room,  and  to  be  seated  at  the  first 
table.  Here  is  where  the  waiters  will  have  to  hurry  and 
reset  the  tables.  At  the  close  of  every  seven  minutes  the 
bell  rings,  signaling  all  to  pass  up  one  table.  Seven  per- 
sons pass  out  every  seven  minutes,  and  forty-nine  are  fed 
in  as  many  minutes.  A novel  idea  is  to  charge  seven 
cents  on  entering  the  dining-room,  seven  cents  when 
through  at  the  last  table,  and  seven  cents  as  they  pass 
out  the  door,  making  twenty-one  cents  for  each  guest. 
They  will  not  object  after  they  are  through  with  the  menu 
at  the  seven  tables. 

Winifred  M.  Simonds. 


Decorations  and  Menu  for  Seven  Tables 
Decorations  Menu 

White  Table 


White  Centrepiece 
White  Dishes 
White  Napkins 
White  Flowers 


Shredded  Potatoes 
White  Bread  and  Butter 
Cold  Roast  Pork 
Milk 


6i 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

Brown  Table 


Brown  Centrepiece 
Brown  Dishes 
Doilies  Worked  in  Brown 
Brown  Leaves  Pressed 

Green 

Green  Bordered  Centre- 
piece 

Green  Flowered  Dishes 
Green  Paper  Napkins 
Green  Foliage 


Reel 

Old  Fashioned  Red  Table 
Cloth 

Red  Flowered  Dishes 
Red  Napkins 
Red  Flowers 


Brown  Bread  and  Butter 
Brown  Coffee 
Boston  Baked  Beans 
Brown  Pickles 

Table 

Wafers  Tied  With  Green  Rib- 
bon 

Lettuce 
Olives 
Green  Tea 
Pickles 

Table 

Red  Cake 
Cranberry  Sauce 
Wafers  Tied  With  Red  Rib- 
bon 


Ora?ige  Table 

Orange  Bordered  Centre-  Orange  Wafers 

piece  Sliced  Oranges 

Orange  Paper  Napkins  Orange  Cake 

Orange  Colored  Flowers 


Yellow  Table 

Yellow  Centrepiece 
Yellow  Figured  Dishes 
Yellow  Paper  Napkins 
Yellow  Flowers 


Lemon  Pie 

Cheese 

Lemonade 


62 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

Pink  Table 

Pink  Bordered  Centrepiece  Pink  Cakes 

Pink  Flowered  Dishes  Pink  Popcorn 

Pink  Paper  Napkins  Pink  Candies 

Pink  Flowers 

Pink  Carnation  for  Each  Guest 


FEAST  OF  NATIONS 

The  following  is  a description  of  a church  supper  which 
was  recently  given  with  great  success : 

The  Japanese  table  was  decorated  with  chrysanthemums. 
At  each  place  was  a Japanese  tray  on  which  a Japanese 
napkin  was  folded  in  a fanciful  manner.  Little  dishes  of 
rice,  hard-boiled  eggs,  cabbage  chopped  fine,  and  small 
cups  of  tea  comprised  the  first  course.  The  second  course 
was  a turkey  dinner.  The  waiters  were  in  Japanese  cos- 
tume. The  favors  were  small  Japanese  umbrellas  tied 
with  the  Japanese  colors,  red  and  white. 

At  the  Chinese  table  the  first  course  was  rice  prepared 
with  curry,  followed  by  chicken  pie  with  the  usual  accom- 
paniments. Chopsticks  were  in  evidence,  though  the 
guests  were  not  compelled  to  use  them.  The  waiters  were 
in  Chinese  dress.  The  table  was  adorned  with  curios,  and 
the  favors  were  ancestral  tablets  in  tiny  boxes,  tied  with 
yellow,  the  national  color  of  China. 

The  Hindustani  table  was  resplendent  with  red  and  yel- 
low tulips,  the  colors  of  India.  Handsome  bowls  of  beaten 
brass  loaned  by  a returned  missionary  ornamented  the 
table.  Four  young  men  in  the  costume  peculiar  to  India 
waited  upon  this  table.  The  special  dish  was  chicken  with 
curry,  and  the  favors  were  genuine  Indian  bracelets. 

Some  rare  old  Welsh  china  was  used  on  the  Welsh  table, 
and  the  menu  cards,  written  in  Welsh,  were  in  the  shape 
of  Welsh  hats.  A Welsh  flag  was  given  as  a souvenir  to 
each  guest. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  63 

The  Irish  table  was  served  by  lassies  gowned  in  green. 
The  menu  cards  were  in  the  form  of  shamrocks.  “ Pota- 
toes with  their  jackets  on  ” and  buttermilk  were  the  dishes 
characteristic  of  this  country.  The  table-cloth  was  of  bright 
green  denim  and  the  decorations  were  all  of  green  leaves. 

The  table  representing  bonnie  Scotland  had  menu 
cards  decorated  with  the  thistle.  Jam  tarts  were  among 
the  delicacies. 

The  English  table  was  decorated  in  the  English  colors, 
with  the  English  standard  as  a centrepiece.  Roast  beef, 
of  course,  was  an  essential  part  of  the  dinner,  supplemented 
by  plum  pudding,  caraway  cakes  and  tea.  The  favors 
were  red  and  white  roses. 

White-capped  waitresses  served  at  the  French  table 
which  was  bright  with  candelabra,  asparagus  ferns  and 
pink  ribbons.  The  menu  cards  bore  the  fleur-de-lis. 
Peas,  olives  and  candied  walnuts  were  distinctive  dishes. 
The  color  scheme  was  pink  and  green. 

At  the  table  representing  Holland  the  girls  wore  Dutch 
peasant  costumes  and  served  coffee  and  chocolate,  carrots 
with  cream  sauce,  so  commonly  used  among  the  Hol- 
landers, sausage,  rye  bread  and  pickles,  cake  and  ginger- 
bread baked  in  fancy  shapes. 

The  German  table  was  gay  with  flowers.  Noodle  soup, 
German  cheese  and  anise  cakes  were  added  to  a generous 
dinner.  The  menu  cards  were  in  the  form  of  cornflowers 
and  were  written  in  German  text.  The  favors  were  pretzels. 

At  the  Italian  table  macaroni  and  fruit  were  the  dishes. 
The  favors  were  menu  cards  with  the  Italian  flag  painted 
on  each. 

The  Mexican  table  was  decorated  with  palms,  and  a 
dinner  very  similar  to  one  a traveler  would  get  in  that 
country  was  served.  The  favors  were  menu  cards  written 
in  Spanish,  to  which  tiny  Mexican  tamales  were  attached 
by  red  and  green  ribbons,  the  Mexican  colors. 

Dainty  arbutus  graced  the  New  England  table  and  menu 
cards.  The  repast  was  a bounteous  Thanksgiving  dinner 


64  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

such  as  New  Englanders  know  how  to  provide.  Baked 
beans  and  brown  bread  were  on  the  menu,  as  were  also 
several  kinds  of  pie  and  apple-sauce. 

The  Western  table  was  waited  upon  by  a boy  and  girl 
dressed  as  Indians  with  the  ornaments  they  admire.  The 
table  was  ornamented  with  flowers.  The  dinner  cards 
showed  paintings  of  Indian  heads  and  the  favors  were  little 
paper  canoes.  The  cakes,  fruit,  etc.,  were  served  in 
Indian  baskets. 

The  Southern  table  had  a menu  different  from  all  the 
others.  Among  the  good  things  were  a whole  roast  pig, 
corn  bread,  warm  biscuit  and  sweet  potatoes.  There  were 
colored  waiters  in  conventional  white  linen  suits.  The 
favors  that  stood  by  each  plate  were  little  Dinah  dolls. 

FISH  MARKET 

A rustic  bridge  was  built  out  from  one  side  of  the  plat- 
form forming  a square  space  in  one  corner  of  the  room 
that  was  used  for  a fish  pond.  Rocks  and  ferns  were 
grouped  along  the  edge  of  the  platform,  the  floor  was  cov- 
ered with  green  carpet,  and  a pretty  meadow  scene  painted 
on  coarse  cotton  was  hung  at  the  back,  making  a very 
picturesque  setting  for  the  pond.  Steps  led  up  to  the 
bridge,  and  at  the  foot  was  a rustic  lodge  where,  on  pay- 
ment of  a fee,  the  prospective  fisher  was  given  a pole  and 
a circle  of  cardboard,  upon  which  was  marked  the  number 
of  times  he  was  entitled  to  fish.  Thus  equipped,  he  went 
up  on  the  bridge  and  fished  in  the  pond.  Additional  fish- 
ing tickets  were  sold  by  the  bridgekeepers.  Articles  of  all 
description  and  varying  values  were  fished  forth  from  the 
pond,  which  made  it  all  the  more  exciting.  Refreshments 
were  served  in  the  hall  and  there  were  a candy  and  cake 
table  and  two  stalls  where  fancy  articles  were  sold.  One 
of  these  stalls  bore  the  sign,  Fish  Market.  Here  fish  of 
many  brilliant  colors  and  quaint  shapes  were  for  sale ; they 
were  blotters,  shaving  cases,  pincushions,  sachet  bags, 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  65 

needle-books,  housewives,  penwipers,  spool  and  veil  cases, 
emeries,  court-plaster  cases  and  kites.  They  were  made 
of  inexpensive  materials,  but  their  novelty  caused  them  to 
sell  rapidly.  The  fish  market  was  well  patronized.  At 
the  other  stall,  pillows  and  lamp-shades  were  sold.  Red 
linen  pillows  shaped  like  Japanese  fish  and  worked  with 
black  attracted  a great  deal  of  attention  ; other  pillows  had 
poster  fish  swimming  across  them,  and  still  others  were 
adorned  with  borders  of  fishes  and  anglers’  maxims.  Fish 
lamp-shades — scarlet,  yellow  and  delicately  tinted — found 
a ready  sale  among  the  young  people,  and  caused  much 
mirth.  On  the  cake  and  candy  table  there  were  many 
toothsome  fishes — chocolate  and  clear  candy  fish,  boxes  of 
candy  decorated  with  fishing  scenes  in  water-color  and  pen 
and  ink,  sandwiches  cut  out  with  fish-shaped  tin  cutters, 
also  fish-shaped  cookies  and  small  iced  cakes.  The  tops 
of  the  large  cakes  were  ornamented  with  fish  designs  done 
with  contrasting  colors  of  icing. 


FLAGS  OF  NATIONS 

Secure  as  many  cards  as  there  are  to  be  guests,  and 
paint  or  paste  on  each  of  them  some  five  or  six  small  flags 
of  different  nations,  numbering  each  flag.  Sometimes  one 
can  obtain  small  buttons  with  these  flags  on  them,  and 
these  answev  quite  as  well.  It  is  better  to  have  each  card 
different,  and  to  assort  the  flags,  so  that  every  card  may 
contain  some  not  very  generally  known.  The  United 
States  flag  might  be  omitted,  as  every  one  would  be  fa- 
miliar with  that ; but  the  flag  of  Liberia  could  be  used  on 
several  cards,  as  its  resemblance  to  our  flag  would  be  apt 
to  deceive  many.  Plates  showing  the  various  national 
flags  in  colors  may  be  found  in  the  front  of  almost  any  un- 
abridged dictionary. 

Hand  a card  and  a pencil  to  each  guest.  The  pencil 
may  be  made  quite  attractive  by  covering  it  with  a strip  of 
crepe  paper  in  some  bright  color.  This  can  be  easily  ac* 


66  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

complished  by  cutting  the  paper  into  lengths  a little  longer 
than  the  pencil,  pasting  one  side,  and  rolling  the  pencil  in 
the  paper,  then  tying  with  a bow  of  narrow  ribbon.  After 
the  guests  are  supplied  with  cards  and  pencils  let  each  one 
write  opposite  the  flags  the  names  of  the  countries  whose 
emblems  they  are.  This  will  be  found  no  easy  matter, 
unless  the  guest  should  be  a sailor  or  a globe-trotter,  and 
many  amusing  guesses  will  be  recorded. 

The  one  who  succeeds  in  guessing  the  countries  cor- 
rectly, or  in  guessing  nearest,  might  be  rewarded  with  a 
United  States  flag  pin  or  a pretty  silk  flag.  For  making 
awards  the  hostess  should  have  a list  of  the  flags  that  are 
on  each  card,  which  should  be  numbered,  and  compare 
the  list  with  the  guesses  handed  in  by  the  company. 


FLORAL  LOVE  STORY 

1.  The  girl’s  name  and  the  color  of  her  hair  (Mari- 
gold). 

2.  The  color  of  her  eyes  (violet). 

3.  Her  brother’s  name  and  an  adjective  that  just  de- 
scribes her  (Sweet  William). 

4.  Her  brother’s  favorite  musical  instrument  (trumpet). 

5.  At  what  time  did  he  awaken  his  father  with  it  (four 
o’clock). 

6.  With  what  did  his  father  punish  him  (goldenrod). 

‘ 7.  What  did  the  boy  do  (balsam). 

8.  What  office  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  did  her 
father  fill  (elder). 

9.  Being  a farmer,  what  was  his  occupation  in  spring 
(plantain). 

10.  Her  lover’s  name  and  what  he  wrote  it  with 
(jonquil). 

11.  What,  being  single,  he  often  lost  (bachelor’s  but- 
tons). 

12.  What  confectionery  he  took  to  her  (peppermint). 

13.  What  he  did  when  he  proposed  (aster). 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  67 

14.  What  ghastly  trophy  did  he  lay  at  her  feet  (bleed- 
ing heart). 

15.  What  did  she  give  him  in  return  (heartsease). 

16.  What  did  she  say  to  him  (Johnny-jump-up). 

17.  What  flower  did  he  cultivate  (tulips). 

18.  To  whom  did  she  refer  him  (poppy). 

19.  What  minister  married  them  (Jack-in-the-pulpit). 

20.  What  was  wished  with  regard  to  their  happiness 
(live-forever). 

21.  When  he  went  away,  what  did  she  say  to  him  (for- 
get-me-not). 

22.  With  what  did  she  punish  her  children  (lady’s- 
slipper). 

23.  What  hallowed  their  last  years  (sweet  peas). 

FLOWER  BAZAAR 

Six  booths,  if  properly  planned,  will  mean  a small  but 
picturesque  bazaar.  Five  of  these  booths  may  represent 
flowers,  and  many  of  the  articles  sold  from  them  may  be 
made  at  home  by  members  of  the  society  which  the  sale  is 
designed  to  aid. 

Drape  the  Lily  booth  in  white,  decorate  it  with  Easter 
lilies  and  light  it  with  fairy  lamps  with  white  shades. 
Little  novelties  for  Easter  gifts  may  be  sold  here — the 
pretty  trifles  which  are  easily  made. 

The  Violet  booth  may  be  almost  self-decorative  if  Easter 
cards  and  dainty  booklets  bearing  the  flower  are  displayed. 
Many  choice  bits  of  verse  and  short  paragraphs  of  uplifting 
thought  may  be  found  in  the  religious  publications  of  to- 
day, and  if  these  are  carefully  mounted  on  white  cards  and 
tied  with  violet  ribbon  to  a bunch  of  the  fresh  flowers  they 
will  make  the  most  cheering  of  Easter  messages.  Pro- 
vision should  be  made  at  the  booth  for  the  cards  to  be  au- 
tographed with  the  names  of  the  senders. 

The  Tulip  booth  may  be  the  gayest  of  the  gay,  and 
there  the  children  should  find  Easter  eggs  in  all  colors  of 


68  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

the  rainbow.  The  booth  should  be  lighted  with  gay 
lanterns.  Those  in  charge  should  appear  in  Oriental  cos- 
tumes. 

The  choice  of  decorations  for  the  Pansy  booth  is  a wide 
one.  Light  green  would  make  a good  background  to  set 
off  the  bowls  of  different  colored  blossoms  adorning  the 
table.  At  this  booth  flower  seeds,  bulbs  and  plants  of  all 
kinds  might  be  on  sale.  Seedlings  are  always  ready 
sellers. 

A booth  which  would  prove  very  popular  with  house- 
wives would  be  the  one  where  Daffodils  are  in  evidence, 
and  there  the  egg  delicacies  for  Easter  menus  might  be  on 
sale : stuffed  eggs,  pickled  eggs,  egg  salad,  custards,  and 
angel  and  sponge  cakes.  Over  this  booth  place  a large 
yellow  umbrella,  fringed  with  daffodils.  On  a card  fas- 
tened to  the  handle  have  the  familiar  quotation : 


“ Daffodils, 

That  come  before  the  swallow  dares.” 

Butterflies  fluttering  over  the  Candy  booth,  as  if  at- 
tracted by  the  sweets  there,  will  induce  others  to  come  for 
the  same  sweets.  The  butterflies  may  be  made  of  crepe 
paper  and  suspended  above  the  booth  by  invisible  wires ; 
the  vibration  of  the  air  will  make  them  appear  very  real. 
The  little  maid  who  presides  should  be  gowned  to  repre- 
sent a butterfly. 

Care  should  be  taken  that  the  attendants  at  the  different 
booths  are  dressed  in  colors  to  harmonize  with  the  decora- 
tive  scheme. 


FLOWER  GUESSING  CONTEST 

1.  My  first  wears  my  second  on  her  foot.  (Lady’s 
slipper) 

2.  A Roman  numeral.  (IV-Ivy) 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  69 

3.  The  hour  before  my  English  cousin’s  tea.  (Four- 
o’clock) 

4.  Good  marketing.  (Butter  and  eggs) 

5.  A gay  young  man  and  a ferocious  animal. 
(Dandelion) 

6.  My  first  is  often  sought  for  my  second.  (Marigold) 

7.  A young  man’s  farewell  to  his  sweetheart.  (Forget- 
me-not) 

8.  Her  reply  to  him.  (Sweet  William) 

9.  The  gentler  sex  of  the  Friend  persuasion.  (Quaker 
ladies) 

10.  Its  own  doctor.  (Self-heal) 

1 1 . My  first  is  as  sharp  as  needles,  my  second  is  as 
soft  as  down.  (Thistledown) 

12.  My  first  is  a country  in  Asia,  my  second  is  the 
name  of  a prominent  New  York  family.  (China  Aster) 

13.  My  first  is  the  name  of  a bird,  my  second  is  worn 
by  cavalrymen.  (Larkspur) 

-14.  A church  official.  (Elder) 

15.  A very  precise  lady.  (Primrose) 

16.  A tattered  songster.  (Ragged  Robin) 

17.  My  first  is  sly  but  cannot  wear  my  second.  (Fox- 
glove) 

18.  The  color  of  a horse.  (Sorrel) 

19.  A craze  in  Holland  in  the  seventeenth  century. 
(Tulip) 

20.  My  first  is  an  implement  of  war,  my  second  is  a 
place  where  money  is  coined.  (Spearmint) 

tfi.  A disrespectful  name  for  a physician.  (Dock) 

22.  Fragrant  letters.  (Sweet  peas) 

23.  My  first  is  a white  wood,  my  second  is  the  name  of 
a yellow  Rhenish  wine.  (Hollyhock) 

,^,  24.  What  the  father  said  to  the  son  in  the  morning. 
(Johnny-jump-up) 

25.  My  first  is  a facial  expression  of  pleasure,  my 
second  a woodsman’s  means  of  livelihood.  (Smilax) 


7o 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

, 2 6.  An  animal  of  the  jungle  is  my  first,  my  second  is 
the  name  of  a tall,  fair  lady.  (Tiger  Lily) 

27.  My  first  is  made  in  a dairy  but  is  seldom  served  in 
my  second.  (Buttercup) 

28.  My  first  wears  my  second  on  his  head.  (Cox- 
' comb) 

29.  A close  companion.  (Stick-tight) 

30.  A fashionable  shade  for  evening  dresses.  (Helio- 
trope) 


FLOWER  LUNCHEONS 

Daisy  Luncheon. — Just  before  luncheon  the  hostess 
may  crown  each  guest  with  a wreath,  which  she  has 
prepared  by  tying  the  blossoms  on  circles  of  fine 
wire. 

In  the  centre  of  the  luncheon-table  have  a large  bunch 
of  blossoms  and  also  a few  scattered  carelessly  over  the 
table.  Trim  the  edge  of  the  table  with  a chain  of  daisies, 
looped  up  here  and  there.  At  each  corner  have  a large 
bow  of  ribbon,  either  white  or  of  three  colors,  yellow, 
green  and  white. 

Serve  only  light  refreshments.  Yellow  and  white  ices 
served  together  would  be  pretty.  By  all  means  have  your 
cakes  cooked  in  patty-pans.  Ice  the  little  cakes  with 
chocolate,  and  on  top  of  each  have  a life-size  daisy.  Any 
amateur  can  make  this  decoration  successfully.  Boil  your 
icing  thick  and  squeeze  it  through  a small  funnel  made  of 
thick  writing-paper  in  order  to  make  the  long,  narrow, 
white  petals  of  a daisy.  Reserve  a small  portion  of  the 
icing  and  tint  it  bright  yellow  for  the  centres.  The  effect 
will  be  quite  pretty. 

After  refreshments  are  served  supply  each  guest  with  a 
sheet  of  paper  and  a tiny  pencil  with  a ribbon  bow  at  the 
end  (these  pencils  can  be  purchased  for  a cent  apiece). 
Announce  that  the  guest  who  draws  the  most  natural  daisy 
will  be  awarded  a prize.  Distribute  the  blossoms  for 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  71 

models.  Pin  all  * of  the  papers  upon  the  wall  and  let  the 
guests  decide  which  is  the  most  lifelike  flower.  Award  a 
pretty  book  to  the  one  who  succeeds  best  and  a booklet  of 
pressed  flowers  to  the  second  best. 

Buttercup  Luncheon. — A very  effective  arrangement 
of  buttercups  for  a luncheon  is  here  suggested.  It  must 
be  remembered  that  this  flower  closes  at  night  and  there- 
fore is  not  suitable  for  an  evening  decoration.  In  the 
centre  of  the  table  arrange  a circle  of  large  rock  ferns,  and 
in  the  circle  thus  made  place  an  inverted  round  pudding- 
dish,  surrounding  it  with  a large  wreath  of  buttercups. 
Place  the  wreath  so  that  half  of  each  fern  leaf  will  project 
beyond  the  buttercups.  On  the  pudding-dish,  the  sides 
of  which  are  hidden  by  the  wreath,  place  a fern-dish  full 
of  growing  ferns,  and  almost  hidden  among  them  a green 
glass  vase  filled  with  buttercups  and  grasses.  This  same 
idea  may  be  carried  out  with  daisies. 

Ox-Eyed  Daisies  may  be  used  for  a luncheon-table  dec- 
oration very  effectively.  In  the  centre  of  a round  table, 
arranged  to  seat  eight  people,  place  a mound  of  daisies  and 
mountain  ferns  and  have  a rope  of  daisies  running  from 
each  plate  to  the  centre.  The  ends  of  the  ropes  may  be 
hidden  in  the  mound. 

Violet  Luncheon. — In  the  centre  of  a table  stand  a 
large  cut-glass  bowl  on  a violet  embroidered  centrepiece. 
Fill  this  bowl  with  smilax  and  pink  carnations.  In  the 
centre  of  the  bowl  place  a tall  green  glass  vase  and  make 
it  secure  by  passing  four  lengths  of  ribbon  crossed  over  the 
top  of  it,  fastening  the  ends  on  the  edge  of  the  centrepiece 
with  little  bows.  In  the  green  vase  place  eight  bunches 
of  violets.  From  each  bouquet  run  violet  baby-ribbons 
ending  in  a little  bow  at  each  place.  This  will  make  a 
number  of  ribbons  resembling  a May-pole.  After  the 
luncheon  each  guest  may  unfasten  the  little  bow  at  her 
place,  give  the  ribbon  a jerk,  and  draw  a bunch  of  violets. 
The  ribbons  passing  over  the  top  of  the  vase  will  hold  the 
vase  firmly  in  place. 


72  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

Apple-Blossom  Luncheon. — For  this  use  blossoms 
which  are  but  half  blown.  Place  branches  of  them  in  glass 
bottles  full  of  water  and  fasten  with  wires  to  the  backs  of 
the  pictures  in  the  dining-room.  The  sideboard  should  be 
covered  with  great  branches  put  in  tall  cut-glass  vases  and 
low  silver  bowls ; the  mantel  banked,  and  in  the  corners 
of  the  room  tall  Japanese  jars  filled  with  great  spraying 
branches.  In  the  centre  of  the  table  may  be  placed  a vase 
filled  with  pure  white  cherry  blossoms.  The  candlesticks 
should  be  shaded  with  white  and  silver.  Back  of  a screen 
at  each  end  of  the  room  a lamp  may  be  set  to  give  a 
brilliant  light  to  the  flowers  on  the  wall,  without  the  glare 
of  the  lamp  being  visible. 

Pansy  Luncheon. — A pretty  and  an  original  way  to 
decorate  a table  with  pansies  when  one  has  quantities  of 
these  flowers  is  to  place  in  the  centre  of  the  table  upon  a 
glass  salver  an  old-fashioned  glass  fruit-bowl  on  a pedestal. 
Fill  the  fruit-bowl  and  salver  with  white  cornmeal  which 
has  been  well  soaked  in  cold  water,  and  in  this  insert  the 
pansy  stems.  They  should  be  placed  as  thickly  as  pos- 
sible. Around  the  outer  edge  of  the  salver  have  a border 
of  maidenhair  fern.  An  oblong  glass  dish  arranged  in  a 
similar  manner  may  be  placed  at  each  end  of  the  table. 
If  desired  little  dishes  arranged  in  the  same  way  may  also 
be  used. 

“ Rainy-Day  Luncheon.” — This  is  certainly  an  original 
idea.  Place  an  old  umbrella  frame  vertically  in  a fernery  and 
twist  smilax  around  the  frame  and  down  each  spoke.  At 
the  base  of  the  fernery  make  a bed  of  violets  as  large 
around  in  circumference  as  the  umbrella.  At  the  luncheon 
hour  hide  a small  lump  of  ice  in  the  smilax  at  the  end  of 
each  spoke,  allowing  it  to  melt  and  drip  on  the  violets. 
This  makes  a pretty  decoration  for  a luncheon,  particularly 
if  wild  violets  can  be  procured. 


73 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

FLOWER  PARTY 
When  the  guests  have  assembled,  each  one  is  given  a 
tiny  flower-pot.  These  are  easily  made  out  of  red  paper — » 
a long  strip  and  a round,  with  the  aid  of  the  mucilage  pot. 
In  these  tiny  pots  the  following  list  of  flowers  to  be  guessed 
is  tucked  away : 

Make  These  Hidden  Flowers  Sprout 

1.  An  amiable  man.  (Sweet  William) 

2.  The  pulse  of  the  business  world.  (Stocks) 

^3.  A title  for  the  sun.  (Morning-glory) 

^4.  A bird  and  a riding  accessory.  (Larkspur) 

^ 5.  A pillar  of  a building  and  a syllable  that  rhymes 
with  dine.  (Columbine) 

l/6.  A flower  between  mountains.  (Lily  of  the  valley) 
7.  A farewell  sentiment.  (Forget-me-not) 

^8.  A dude  and  an  animal.  (Dandelion) 

9.  A part  of  the  day.  (Four-o'clock) 

^o.  The  result  of  Cupid’s  arrows.  (Bleeding  heart) 

11.  The  place  for  a kiss.  (Tulips) 

U* 2.  A yellow  stick.  (Golden-rod) 

13.  A product  of  the  dairy  and  a drinking  utensil. 
(Buttercup) 

/ 14.  One  of  the  Four  Hundred.  (Aster) 

1^-15.  What  Cinderella  should  have  advertised  for. 
(Lady’s  slipper) 

16.  A wild  animal  and  a bit  of  outdoor  wearing  ap- 
parel. (Foxglove) 

The  list  of  answers  is  of  course  kept  in  hand  by  the 
hostess.  When  the  first  part  of  the  game  has  been  played 
and  the  answers  verified,  a continuation  of  the  fun  is  a 
contest  of  all  as  to  who  can  write  the  best  verse  containing 
in  any  way  whatever  all  the  above  flowers.  Judges  must 
be  appointed,  and,  of  course,  prizes  awarded  for  the  verse 
contest  as  well  as  for  the  guessing  game.  This  last  con- 


74 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

test  may  be  omitted,  if  wished,  but  it  adds  fun  and  calls 
forth  much  ingenuity  and  cleverness.  The  prizes  might 
be  little  potted  plants,  so  many  of  which  grace  the  florists’ 
windows  at  this  time  of  year ; these  for  the  women,  and 
scarf-pins  in  the  shape  of  flowers  for  the  men. 

To  select  partners  for  refreshments,  give  to  each  lady  a 
flower  of  a different  variety  ; if  it  is  impossible  to  secure  a 
sufficient  quantity  of  natural  blossoms,  paper  ones  will  do 
quite  as  well,  and  these  may  be  made  at  home.  To  the 
gentlemen  hand  cards  bearing  quotations  referring  to  some 
flower,  but  inserting  a blank  where  the  name  occurs. 
Each  gentleman  may  claim  his  partner  when  he  finds  the 
flower  that  fits  his  verse. 

The  following  are  a few  suggestive  quotations : 

“ A (violet)  by  a mossy  stone 
Half  hidden  from  the  eye.” 

« As  the  (sunflower)  turns  on  her  god  when  he  sets 

The  same  look  which  she  turn’d  when  he  rose.” 

“ Gather  ye  (rosebuds)  while  ye  may, 

Old  Time  is  still  a-flying.” 

“ And  there  is  (pansies) ; that’s  for  thoughts.” 

“ Pale  fear  oppress’d  the  drooping  maid  — 

And  on  her  cheek  the  (rose)  began  to  fade.” 

“And  the  blue  (gentian-flower),  that,  in  the  breeze, 

Nods  lonely,  of  her  beauteous  race  the  last.” 

For  the  supper  have  a salad  served  in  little  paper  boxes 
decorated  with  strips  of  pink  tissue  paper  cut  either  in  nar- 
row slashes  like  the  chrysanthemum  petals,  or  in  broader 
ones  to  represent  the  rose.  Ices  can  be  obtained  in  many 
flower  forms,  and  if  to  these  be  added  real  stems  and 
leaves,  the  service  will  be  as  dainty  and  attractive  as  pos- 
sible. 


75 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 


FLOWERS  ILLUSTRATED 


1.  Buttercup. 

iS- 

Sweet  William. 

2.  Daisy. 

16. 

Sweet  peas. 

3.  Sunflower. 

i7- 

Ragged  sailor. 

4.  Trumpet  vine. 

18. 

Bleeding  heart. 

5.  Lily  of  the  valley. 

19. 

Poppy. 

6.  Morning-glorv. 

20. 

Black-eyed  Susan. 

7.  Violet. 

21. 

Foxglove. 

Queen’s  lace  handker- 

8. Dandelion. 

22. 

9.  Lady’s-slipper. 

chief. 

10.  Bachelor’s-button. 

23- 

Bluebell. 

11.  Aster. 

24. 

Everlasting. 

12.  Tulip. 

25- 

Marshmallow. 

13.  Goldenrod. 

14.  Cat-tail. 

26. 

Solomon ’s-seal. 

They  are  illustrated  in  this  way  : i.  A cup  of  butter. 

2.  The  picture  of  a book,  cut  from  a magazine,  having 
the  title  blotted  out,  and  showing  only  the  words,  “by 
Charlotte  M.  Yonge  ” (the  author  of  “ The  Daisy  Chain  ”). 

3.  A colored  illustration  of  the  solar  spectrum.  4.  A 

tin  trumpet.  5.  A picture  of  a valley.  6.  A card  upon 
which  is  printed  “6  a.  m.”  7.  A picture  of  a book  upon 

which  is  written,  “by  Julia  Magruder”  (author  of  “ The 
Violet  ”).  8.  The  picture  of  a lion,  to  which  has  been 

added,  with  pen  and  ink,  a silk  hat,  collar  and  cane.  9. 
A pair  of  slippers.  10.  A variety  of  buttons,  poorly 
sewed  upon  a piece  of  cloth,  n.  A card  upon  which  is 
written,  “A  well-known  hotel  and  library. ” 12.  Photo- 
graph of  a part  of  a face.  13.  A slender  stick,  gilded. 
14.  A picture  of  cats.  15.  A card  with  the  words 
“ Dear  Will.”  16.  A few  peas  in  a saucer  of  sugar.  17. 
A Brownie  sailor,  torn  and  dilapidated.  18.  A red  paper 
heart.  19.  The  written  words,  “Sleep,  sweet  sleep.” 
20.  A picture  of  a girl,  the  eyes  having  been  painted 
black.  21.  A pair  of  gloves.  22.  A dainty  handker- 
chief. 23.  A small  bell,  painted  blue.  24.  A leather 


76  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

advertisement  under  which  are  the  words,  “ Never  wear 
out.”  25.  A box  of  marshmallows.  26.  A large  seal 
with  the  letter  S. 

To  the  one  who  succeeds  in  finding  the  greatest  number 
of  flowers  can  be  given  a beautiful  basket  of  roses. 

FOURTH  OF  JULY  MUSEUM 

The  invitations,  gay  with  the  national  colors,  stated  that 
Miss  Blank,  in  order  to  encourage  patriotism  in  her  native 
town,  had  made  a museum  collection  of  curios  connected 
with  noted  Americans,  and  bade  a choice  selection  of  her 
fellow-townsmen  to  meet  and  view  the  rare  objects. 

The  booklets  passed  around  among  the  guests  upon 
their  arrival  were  attractive  enough,  a tiny  flag  being 
painted  in  one  corner  of  the  cover,  which  also  contained 
the  legend : 


The  Fourth  of  July  Museum 
At  Miss  Blank’s 
July  the  Fourth 
Nineteen  hundred  and  blank. 

A red,  white  and  blue  ribbon  held  the  booklet  together, 
and  at  the  end  of  this  was  a small  white  pencil. 

We  found  it  best  to  pair  off  the  players,  for  two  heads 
are  so  much  better  than  one,  and  it  is  a great  satisfaction 
to  give  help  to  one’s  neighbor  without  fear  and  without  re- 
proach. Each  of  the  booklets  contained  a date  or  an 
event  in  United  States  history,  and  the  man  who  drew  the 
booklet  containing  “ 1492  ” became  the  partner  of  the 
girl  who  held  “Discovery  of  America.” 

The  museum  specimens  were  arranged  on  tables  or 
mounted  on  cards,  and  each  one  was  numbered  conspicu- 
ously. The  following  list  of  twenty-two  names  was  used. 
It  can  be  lengthened,  or  the  celebrities  may  be  otherwise 
represented,  according  to  the  resources  of  the  hostess. 


77 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

Magazine  pictures  of  the  articles  may  be  substituted  for  the 
real  thing,  to  simplify  preparations.  Here  is  the  list,  which 
may  be  greatly  extended  : 

Paul  Revere — a toy  horse  with  rider,  labeled  “ The 
Horse  Travels  Best  by  Night.” 

Abraham  Lincoln — two  small  darkies,  labeled  “ All 
Free.” 

Washington — a bunch  of  cherries,  labeled  “Our  Na- 
tional Fruit.” 

Carrie  Nation — a toy  hatchet,  labeled  “You  Think  You 
Know.  Guess  Again.” 

General  Grant — a chocolate  cigar. 

Theodore  Roosevelt — a doll’s  Rough  Rider  hat. 

Richmond  Hobson — a confectioner’s  “kiss.” 

Barbara  Frietchie — the  national  flag. 

Theodore  Thomas — a bar  of  music  and  a street-car  con- 
ductor's cap. 

Benjamin  Harrison — his  grandfather’s  hat. 

Mark  Twain — Two  pencil -marks. 

P.  T.  Barnum — a hippopotamus,  labeled  “The  Greatest 
Show  on  Earth.” 

Harriet  Beecher  Stowe — “Uncle  Tom’s  Cabin,”  repre- 
sented by  a toy  negro  cabin. 

Priscilla  Alden — a picture  of  a Puritan  at  a spinning- 
wheel. 

Jefferson  Davis — a Confederate  dollar  bill. 

William  J.  Bryan — a silver  dollar  (number  sixteen  in  the 
collection). 

Miss  Stone — the  stone  figure  of  a woman,  labeled  “ Kid- 
napped,” or  a copy  of  Stevenson’s  “Kidnapped.” 

Joseph  Jefferson — a little  dog,  labeled  “ My  Dog  Schnei- 
der.” 

Nathaniel  Hawthorn — “The  Scarlet  Letter,”  repre- 
sented by  a medium-size  red  envelope. 

Eli  Whitney — a cotton-gin,  represented  by  a branch  of 
cotton,  and  a bottle,  labeled  “Pure  Holland  Gin.” 


78  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

Robert  Fulton — a toy  steamboat. 

Benjamin  Franklin — a kite  and  a key. 

The  national  colors  may  be  used  effectively  in  the  dec- 
orations of  the  rooms  or  of  the  table,  and  the  prizes  for 
the  winners  may  be  silk  flags,  photographs  of  historic  places 
or  other  souvenirs  suggestive  of  the  day. 

Appropriate  place-cards  for  a Fourth  of  July  luncheon  or 
dinner  may  be  made  by  covering  small  glass  bottles  about 
the  size  of  a firecracker  with  red  tissue  paper,  and  filling 
them  with  little  candies.  By  cutting  the  corks  even  with 
the  bottles  and  drawing  a small  piece  of  twine  through  for 
a fuse,  a clever  imitation  of  a cracker  is  made.  The  names 
of  the  guests  may  be  put  vertically  on  the  bottles. 


GAME  OF  NATIONS 

Provide  each  guest  with  a list  of  questions,  with  spaces 
left  for  the  answers.  The  answers  consist  of  words  ending 
in  “N-A-T-I-O-N.”  Here  are  the  questions  and  the  an- 
swers : 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 
9 

10 

1 1 

12 


A popular  flower. 

Unruliness. 

A gift  for  charitable  pur- 
poses. 

The  installation  of  a king. 

Resolution,  or  “grit.” 

The  murder  of  an  eminent 
person. 

Fancy,  or  mental  represen- 
tions. 

Making  anything  clear. 

A small  surgical  operation 
legally  enforced. 

The  giving  up  of  an  office. 

A joining  or  putting  together. 

The  choosing  of  a candidate. 


I. 

Carnation. 

2. 

Insubordination. 

3- 

Donation. 

4- 

Coronation. 

5- 

Determination. 

6. 

Assassination. 

7- 

Imagination. 

8. 

Explanation. 

9- 

Vaccination. 

10. 

Resignation. 

11. 

Combination. 

12. 

Nomination. 

Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  79 

The  prizes  should  then  be  awarded.  A pretty  silk  ban- 
ner will  be  acceptable  to  a man,  while  a big  bunch  of  red 
and  white  carnations  tied  with  a blue  ribbon,  or  a pound 
of  confectionery  in  a box  decorated  with  flags  and  other 
patriotic  emblems  will  make  a pretty  gift  for  a lady. 


GEOGRAPHICAL  GAME 

Seat  the  players  in  a ring.  Let  the  first  one  say  aloud 
the  name  of  a city,  mountain,  river,  lake,  etc.,  located  in 
any  part  of  the  world ; the  next  player  give  a name  begin- 
ning with  the  final  letter  of  the  previously  said  name,  and 
the  third  supply  one  beginning  with  the  final  letter  of  the 
second,  and  so  on  around  the  ring.  Thus : America, 
Athens,  Santiago,  Ohio.  Each  player  is  allowed  thirty 
seconds  in  which  to  think.  If,  by  the  end  of  that  time,  he 
has  failed  to  supply  a name,  he  must  drop  out  of  the  game. 
The  one  who  keeps  up  longest  is  the  champion.  Any 
player,  at  any  time,  may  be  challenged  to  give  the  geo- 
graphical location  of  the  place  he  has  named.  If,  on  de- 
mand, he  cannot  do  so  he  must  pay  a forfeit. 


GEORGE  AND  MARTHA  TEA 

The  walls  should  be  hung  with  red,  white  and  blue 
bunting,  relieved  at  regular  intervals  with  shields  and 
small  hatchets  made  of  flowers  in  the  national  colors. 

Have  George  and  Martha  receive  the  guests,  and  there 
may  be  also  a number  of  men  and  women  attired  in  colo- 
nial costumes  to  introduce  strangers  and  see  that  all  have  a 
good  time. 

Behind  a bower  of  foliage  an  orchestra  might  play  the 
national  airs,  and  as  the  object  of  the  evening  should  be  to 
promote  sociability,  it  would  be  well  to  have  a number  of 
interesting  games  in  which  all  can  join. 

One  of  these  might  be  a list  of  the  presidents  in  anagram 


8o  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

form,  written  on  a large  blackboard , the  names  in  paren- 
theses, of  course,  are  not  written  out,  thus  : 


1 . L m jak  pokes 

2.  Yatch  lazy  roar 

3.  Lord  film  rill  a me 

4.  Knife  lancer  rip 

5.  Jamb  haunce  ans 

6.  Berth  your  she  fad 

7.  C H hurt  a rare  set 

8.  Jasmine  in  horn  bar 

9.  Willie  m mink  clay 

10.  O shogging  rantwee 

11.  Jam  nod  has 

12.  Oft  John  fear  mess 

13.  Mard  jess  moan 

14.  Jo  means  more 

15.  Jay  chins  Quon  dam 

16.  Son  rack  and  Jew 

17.  A rum  Tannin  verb 

18.  Harsh  iron  aim  will 

19.  If  gales  mead  jar 

20.  Carver  delve  long 

2 1 . Man  in  cab  or  hall 

22.  Yes  glass  turns 

23.  Holy  rent  J 


(James  K.  Polk) 
(Zachary  Taylor) 
(Millard  Fillmore) 
(Franklin  Pierce) 
(James  Buchanan) 
(Rutherford  B.  Hayes) 
(Chester  A.  Arthur) 
(Benjamin  Harrison) 
(William  McKinley) 
(George  Washington) 
(John  Adams) 

(Thomas  Jefferson) 
(James  Madison) 
(James  Monroe) 

(John  Quincy  Adams) 
(Andrew  Jackson) 
(Martin  Van  Buren) 
(William  H.  Harrison) 
(James  A.  Garfield) 
(Grover  Cleveland) 
(Abraham  Lincoln) 
(Ulysses  S.  Grant) 
(John  Tyler) 


At  the  end  of  half  an  hour  present  to  the  most  success- 
ful guesser  a George  Washington  hat  of  violet  candy,  filled 
with  red  and  white  bonbons. 

But  let  the  main  feature  of  the  evening  be  a small  room 
fashioned  into  a portrait-drawing  studio,  the  lads  and  las- 
sies in  charge  and  everything  about  the  room  having  an 
old-time  look. 

Above  the  door  have  printed  in  the  quaint  spelling  of 
long  ago  that  all  who  wish  can  have  a silhouette  picture  of 
themselves  for  only  five  cents,  and  doubtless  a goodly  sum 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  8l 

will  be  realized,  as  people  are  always  interested,  not  only 
in  their  own,  but  in  their  friends’  physiognomy,  and  much 
fun  will  follow  in  exchanging  shadow  pictures. 

Have  ready  a quantity  of  large  sheets  of  paper,  black 
on  one  side  and  white  on  the  other,  also  white  cardboard ; 
a sheet  of  paper  is  to  be  fastened  to  the  wall,  white  side 
out,  and  a lighted  candle  placed  about  three  feet  from  the 
paper.  Then  the  one  having  his  picture  taken  is  seated 
between  the  candle  and  wall,  so  that  a strongly  defined 
profile  falls  upon  the  paper  ; the  shadow  is  to  be  traced 
with  a steady  hand,  cut  out,  and  then  pasted  on  the  card- 
board, with  the  black  side  of  the  paper  out. 

An  old-fashioned  candelabrum,  surrounded  by  a wreath 
of  blue  violets  and  red  and  white  carnations,  might  grace 
the  centre  of  the  dining-table,  and  at  either  end  tall  silver 
candlesticks  with  candles  burning  under  shades  of  a rosy 
hue  might  be  placed. 

Let  the  bonbons  be  held  in  boxes  imitating  the  cocked 
hat  of  the  Continental  Army ; have  sandwiches  of  differ- 
ent kinds  and  sorts,  with  tiny  silk  flags  bearing  the  name 
of  the  sandwich.  Besides  these  the  eatables  might  consist 
of  good  old-fashioned  gingerbread,  crullers,  doughnuts, 
and  coffee,  followed  by  apples  and  nuts. 


GIRLS"  NAMES  CONTEST 

1.  What  an  army  would  do  if  it  found  a river  too  deep 
to  ford.  (Bridget) 

2.  An  admirable  quality  in  a young  woman.  (Grace) 

3.  The  most  prominent  of  Easter  flowers.  (Lily) 

4.  The  time  for  violets.  (May) 

5.  A gem.  (Pearl) 

6.  What  papa  does  with  the  baby.  (Carrie) 

7.  How  to  write  a postscript.  (Adaline) 

8.  The  flower  of  June.  (Rose) 

9.  What  a scissors-grinder  and  a locomotive  have  in 
common.  (Belle) 


82 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

10.  A virtue.  (Patience) 

1 1 . An  article.  (Ann) 

12.  First  steps  in  music.  (Dora  [do-re]) 

13.  Two  consecutive  letters  of  the  alphabet  in  trans- 
posed order.  (Effie  [F-E]) 

14.  The  night  before.  (Eve) 

15.  A little  valley.  (Adelle) 

The  slips  are  to  be  collected  and  the  one  having  the 
greatest  number  of  correct  answers  may  be  rewarded  with 
some  inexpensive  souvenir. 

GOLF  LUNCHEON 

When  our  golfing  enthusiast  desires  to  entertain  her  golf- 
ing friends,  she  cannot  do  better  than  bid  them  to  a lunch- 
eon set  to  the  key-note  of  their  favorite  sport. 

Naturally,  the  table  decorations  will  be  red  and  green — 
deep  red  roses  or  scarlet  geraniums  laid  in  flat  bunches 
upon  the  “ fair  field  ” of  snowy  cloth  and  encircling  the 
dishes,  caught  together  by  “ links  ” of  smilax.  Perhaps, 
too,  pale  green  candles,  beneath  ruby-hued  shades,  might 
still  further  carry  out  the  scheme  of  color. 

The  table  may  be  arranged  with  a “ putting  green  ” in 
the  centre  made  of  a square  of  sponge  cake  frosted  with 
pistachio.  A little  hole  should  be  cut  in  the  centre.  Mini- 
ature caddy  bags  made  of  red  satin  and  filled  with  red  ge- 
raniums and  ferns  are  pretty  decorations.  A little  golf  ball 
for  the  “ putting  green  ” can  be  made  by  covering  a pre- 
served cherry  with  white  icing.  “ Bunkers  ” can  be  made 
across  the  corners  of  the  table  by  using  fine  wire  netting. 
At  each  place  a small  caddy  bag  can  hold  the  knives,  forks, 
and  spoons  of  the  service,  and  in  the  bottom  of  the  bag 
can  be  placed  a “ Jackson  ball  ” — one  of  those  hard, 
striped  red  and  white,  old-fashioned  candies. 

The  bread  sticks  and  cheese  straws  should  be  fashioned 
like  golfing  sticks,  and  the  ices  be  in  the  form  of  balls, 
small  and  white.  Lastly,  with  the  coffee  and  bonbons,  are 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  83 

passed  souvenir  cards  on  which  are  daintily  painted  bags 
of  golfing  implements,  heads  of  pretty  girls  in  outing  hats, 
or  bits  of  rural  landscape. 


GOLF  PLAYERS’  GUESSING  CONTEST 

1.  A coachman.  (Driver) 

2.  An  oriental  herb.  (Tee) 

3.  A receptacle  for  the  herb.  (Caddie) 

4.  What  an  impudent  fellow  is  apt  to  be.  (Brassie) 

5.  A rustic  expression  for  aimless  working.  (Putter) 

6.  A bazaar,  and  a color.  (Fair-green) 

7.  The  point  of  a pen  and  a lap  of  the  tongue. 
(Niblic) 

8.  To  crush  and  two  letters.  (Mashie) 

9.  A chance.  (Hazard) 

10.  A large  social  function.  (Ball) 

11.  A definite  and  an  indefinite  number.  (Foursome) 

12.  Parts  of  a chain.  (Links) 

13.  A bed  and  to  mistake.  (Bunker) 

14.  Number  twenty.  (Score) 

15.  Little  pits.  (Holes) 

The  two  who,  within  a given  time,  answer  the  most  of 
these  fifteen  questions  should  be  rewarded  with  appropriate 
prizes,  as  one  of  the  handy  little  score  books  to  be  slipped 
upon  the  belt,  containing  the  official  score ; a picture  of 
the  typical  golf  girl ; or  some  volume  on  the  popular 
and  fascinating  game. 


GOOD  LUCK  PARTY 

This  was  given  by  a clever  maiden  to  a departing  girl 
friend,  but  the  idea  could  be  utilized  in  various  ways. 

Each  invitation  took  the  form  of  a cordial  note  which 
was  written  on  white  note-paper  bordered  with  pen-and-ink 
sketches  of  horseshoes,  wish-bones  and  four- leaf  clovers. 

Enclosed  with  each  invitation  was  a guest  card  with  the 


84  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

name  of  the  person  receiving  it  written  in  gilt  at  the  top. 
Below  this  was  a row  of  horseshoes,  also  done  in  gilt. 
Each  guest  was  requested  to  write  on  this  card  a toast,  in 
rhyme,  to  the  departing  friend,  and  to  bring  it  to  the  party 
on  the  appointed  evening. 

The  decorations  of  the  rooms  upon  the  evening  of  the 
party  were  appropriate  to  the  occasion.  Horseshoes  gilded 
or  covered  with  tin-foil  hung  over  the  folding  doors  and 
window-curtains,  and  depended  from  the  chandeliers, 
which  were  draped  with  festoons  of  ribbon  ornamented 
with  wish-bones  and  horseshoes  of  all  sizes  cut  from  gilt 
paper. 

A large  screen  standing  in  front  of  the  dining-room  doors 
was  decorated  with  artificial  clover  blossoms.  In  the  din- 
ing-room similar  decorations  prevailed.  In  the  centre  of 
the  dining-table,  upon  a centrepiece  embroidered  with  the 
emblems  of  good  luck,  stood  a candelabra  bearing  green 
and  white  candles.  Encircling  the  centrepiece  was  a large 
horseshoe  of  cardboard  covered  with  green  paper.  Out- 
side the  horseshoe  outlining  it  were  small  glasses  resting  on 
green  paper  clover  leaves. 

At  each  corner  of  the  table  was  placed  a plate  of 
delicious  sugar  cookies  baked  in  the  shape  of  four-leaf 
clovers ; each  one  was  topped  with  a gilded  wish-bone. 

The  chairs  were  arranged  around  the  room  in  the  form 
of  a horseshoe. 

The  main  feature  of  the  evening  was  the  hunt  for  four- 
leaf  clovers.  These  leaves,  which  were  cut  out  of  green 
glace  paper,  had  been  hidden  by  the  hostess  in  every  nook 
and  corner  of  the  down-stairs  rooms,  and  much  amusement 
was  afforded  the  young  people  as  they  eagerly  sought 
them.  At  the  conclusion  of  a given  time  the  signal  to 
stop  hunting  was  given  and  each  guest  counted  the  leaves 
he  or  she  had  found.  The  one  having  the  greatest  number 
was  presented  with  a dainty  stickpin  in  the  shape  of  a four- 
leaf  clover. 

The  refreshments  consisted  only  of  ginger  ale  and 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  85* 

cookies,  and  as  her  guests  partook  of  them  the  hostess  read 
aloud  the  toasts  which  had  been  handed  to  her.  She 
presented  them  at  the  conclusion  of  the  evening  to  the 
guest  of  honor. 

Each  guest  was  next  asked  to  tell  “ the  biggest  piece  of 
good  luck  which  ever  came  to  you.”  The  numerous 
recitals  given  created  no  end  of  fun. 

When  the  party  broke  up  and  the  good-nights  were  said 
each  guest  carried  away  as  a souvenir  of  the  occasion  a 
bright  new  penny  for  a ‘ ‘ luck  piece. ’ ’ 

GYPSY  FORTUNE-TELLING 

Added  to  the  charm  and  mystery  of  having  one’s 
fortune  told  is  the  great  pleasure  which  may  be  derived 
from  having  it  told  by  a gypsy,  even  though  she  may  be 
an  amateur. 

An  hour  of  amusement  may  be  passed  very  delightfully 
in  this  way,  provided  the  hostess  can  make  the  necessary 
arrangements  with  some  quick-witted,  bright  young  girl, 
who  will  be  willing  to  take  the  part  of  the  gypsy.  Several 
days  before  the  evening’s  entertainment  the  hostess  should 
give  her  friend  a list  of  the  expected  guests,  with  a few 
notes  concerning  their  traits  of  character,  environment, 
etc.,  and  these  suggestions,  in  addition  to  the  knowledge 
of  the  persons  which  she  possesses,  and  her  own  inventive- 
ness, will  give  her  an  excellent  opportunity  apparently  to 
look  back  in  the  past,  and  forward  to  the  future — especially 
if  she  happen  to  discover  that  any  engaged  couples  are  to 
be  present.  The  gypsy  should  arrive  at  the  house  of  the 
hostess  a little  early  on  the  evening  of  the  entertainment, 
and  be  shown  to  an  up-stairs  room  to  don  her  gypsy  attire. 
She  should  then  descend  to  the  dimly-lighted  parlor  and 
seat  herself  in  readiness  for  the  guests  when  they  shall 
arrive. 

As  the  guests  arrive  and  remove  their  wraps  they  should 
be  received  and  greeted  in  the  library  or  reception-room, 


86  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

and  the  hostess  should  then  announce  that  a gypsy  is  in 
the  parlor.  Having  learned  in  some  way  that  there  was 
to  be  a large  party  there,  she  has  begged  the  privilege  of 
coming  in  to  tell  fortunes  for  the  pretty  ladies,  so  that  she 
might  earn  a few  pennies.  The  guests  repair  to  the  dimly- 
lighted  parlor,  where  the  gypsy  is  seated.  As  each  guest 
advances  and  seats  himself,  the  gypsy  takes  the  extended 
right  hand  and  reads  the  lines — improvising  as  she  does  so 
in  broken  English. 


HALLOWE’EN  BOX  CAKE 

The  newest  fashion  in  Hallowe’en  supper-table  decora- 
tion is  a cake  made  of  white  pasteboard  boxes,  in  shape 
like  pieces  of  pie,  which  fit  together  and  give  the  appear- 
ance of  a large  cake.  Each  one  of  the  boxes  is  covered 
with  a white  paper  which  resembles  frosting.  At  the  close 
of  the  feast  the  pieces  are  distributed,  each  box  containing 
some  little  souvenir  suitable  to  Hallowe’en.  One  box,  of 
course,  contains  a ring,  another  a thimble,  a third  a piece 
of  silver,  a fourth  a mitten,  a fifth  a fool’s  cap,  and  so  on. 
Much  fun  is  created  as  the  boxes  are  opened,  and  the  per- 
son who  secures  the  ring  is  heartily  congratulated.  The 
unlucky  individual  who  gets  the  fool’s  cap  must  wear  it 
for  the  evening. 


HALLOWE’EN  GAMES 

Have  a card  and  a candle  for  each  guest,  the  candles  in 
as  many  different  colors  as  possible,  and  one  corner  of 
each  card  turned  down  and  tied  with  baby  ribbon — one 
color  for  ladies,  and  another  for  gentlemen.  On  the 
cards  have  couplets  written  foretelling  future  events,  such 
as : 


Who  gets  the  candle  colored  red 
Will  have  long  life,  but  never  wed. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  87 

If  you  choose  the  candle  green 
You’ll  have  the  prettiest  wife  e’er  seen. 


For  you  the  kind  fates  have  a plan 
Whereby  you  sure  will  get  a man. 

Let  each  guest  take  a card  and  a candle  (if  the  base  of 
the  candle  is  warmed  it  will  stick  to  the  card),  read  the 
couplet  aloud,  then  light  the  candle,  and  holding  it  at 
arm’s  length  blow  it  out.  If  it  is  blown  out  upon  the  first 
trial  the  person  will  be  married  within  a year ; if  upon  the 
second  trial,  within  two  years,  etc. 

Write  rhymes  of  four  or  six  lines  on  thin  paper,  and 
place  in  chestnut  shells.  Tie  together  with  ribbon,  the 
ladies’  in  one  color,  the  gentlemen’s  in  another.  If  there 
are  personal  hits  in  the  rhymes,  tie  the  name  of  the  per- 
son for  whom  each  one  is  intended  on  the  outside  of  the 
shell. 

Hide  a ring,  a thimble  and  a penny  in  the  room.  To 
the  one  who  finds  the  ring  speedy  marriage  is  assured  ; the 
thimble  denotes  a life  of  single  blessedness;  the  penny 
promises  wealth. 

Have  one  of  the  young  ladies  who  knows  a little 
palmistry  be  the  witch  of  the  evening.  A short,  bright- 
hued  skirt,  a gay  plaid  shawl  crossed  over  her  shoulders,  a 
scarf  bound  about  her  head,  will  make  a very  striking 
costume,  and,  with  the  aid  of  a little  paint  and  powder, 
quite  an  effective  disguise.  If  she  is  enough  acquainted 
with  the  guests  to  give  some  personal  history  she  can  pro- 
duce some  very  “ telling  ” fortunes. 

After  the  witch  has  exhausted  her  ingenuity  as  palmist, 
let  her  offer  to  disclose  the  name  of  the  future  bride  or 
groom  of  each  one  present,  by  means  of  the  fairy  mirror. 
The  room  she  uses  should  be  dimly  lighted.  She  writes 
the  name  on  a mirror  with  French  chalk,  rubs  it  off  lightly 
with  a silk  handkerchief,  and  calls  in  the  person  for  whom 
the  name  is  written. 


88  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

Prepare  a basket  of  rosy  cheeked  apples,  each  with  the 
initials  of  a name  pricked  in  the  skin,  which  names  must 
be  used  in  counting  the  apple  seeds. 

After  the  supper  table  has  been  cleared  of  all  except  the 
decorations  and  candles,  have  a large  dish  filled  with 
burning  alcohol  and  salt  brought  in  and  placed  in  the  centre. 
Seated  around  this  ghostly  fire,  all  other  lights  except  the 
candles  having  been  extinguished,  let  the  guests  tell 
stirring  stories  rigmarole  fashion ; that  is,  some  one  start- 
ing the  story  and  stopping  short  at  its  most  exciting  point 
and  letting  his  neighbor  continue  it,  etc.,  each  one  trying 
to  make  it  as  interesting  as  possible. 


HALLOWE’EN  PARTY 

All  formality  must  be  dispensed  with  on  Hallowe’en. 
Not  only  will  quaint  customs  and  mystic  tricks  be  in 
order,  but  the  decorations  and  refreshments,  and  even  the 
place  of  meeting,  must  be  as  strange  and  mystifying  as 
possible. 

For  the  country  or  suburban  home  a roomy  barn  is 
decidedly  the  best  accommodation  that  can  be  provided. 
If  this  is  not  practicable,  a large  attic,  running  the  entire 
length  of  the  house,  is  the  next  choice ; but  if  this  also  is 
denied  the  ambitious  hostess,  let  the  kitchen  be  the  place 
of  meeting  and  of  mystery,  with  the  dining-room,  cleared 
of  its  usual  furniture  and  decorated  suitably  for  the  oc- 
casion, reserved  for  the  refreshments. 

The  light  should  be  supplied  only  by  Jack-o’-lanterns 
hung  here  and  there  about  the  kitchen,  with  candles  in  the 
dining-room. 

The  decorations  need  not  be  expensive  to  be  charming, 
no  matter  how  large  the  room.  Large  vases  of  ferns  and 
chrysanthemums  and  umbrella  stands  of  fluffy  grasses  will 
be  desirable ; but  if  these  cannot  be  readily  obtained, 
quantities  of  gayly  tinted  autumn  leaves  will  be  quite  as 
appropriate.  Festoons  of  nuts,  bunches  of  wheat  or  oats, 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  89 

and  strings  of  cranberries  may  also  help  to  brighten  the 
wall  decorations,  and  the  nuts  and  cranberries  will  be  use- 
ful in  many  odd  arrangements  for  ornamenting  the  refresh- 
ment table. 

Have  the  table  long  enough  (even  if  it  must  be  extended 
with  boards  the  whole  length  of  the  barn  or  attic)  to  ac- 
commodate all  the  guests  at  once.  Arrange  huge  platters 
of  gingerbread  at  each  corner,  with  dishes  of  plain  candies 
and  nuts  here  and  there,  and  pyramids  of  fruit  that  will  be 
quickly  demolished  when  the  guests  are  grouped  about  the 
table.  No  formal  waiting  will  be  desirable. 


HALLOWE’EN  SUGGESTIONS 

Have  mirrors  everywhere : big  mirrors,  medium-sized 
mirrors,  and  little,  wee  mirrors,  all  reflecting  and  multi- 
plying countless  candles  that  burn  in  candlesticks  of  every 
description  (most  novel  are  those  made  from  long-necked 
gourds  and  tiny  squashes). 

Across  the  top  and  down  the  sides  of  each  doorway 
hang  festoons  of  yellow  and  white  corn  and  turn  the  husks 
back  to  show  the  firm,  glistening  kernels.  Each  window 
can  be  garlanded  in  like  manner  as  well  as  the  tops  of 
mantels  and  picture  frames.  Clusters  of  red  ears  may  de- 
pend from  the  chandeliers.  Here  and  there,  in  the  most 
unexpected  corners,  can  be  placed  Jack-o’ -lanterns,  smiling 
or  gnashing  their  teeth,  amid  great  shocks  of  corn.  The 
great  hall  and  stairway  can  be  draped  with  fish-nets  through 
the  meshes  of  which  are  thrust  many  ears  of  corn.  A 
stately  Jack  must  point  the  guests  up  the  stairs  where  two 
other  individuals  will  usher  them  to  the  dressing-rooms. 

Drape  one  doorway  with  a portiere  of  apples — apples 
strung  on  strings  of  varying  lengths.  As  the  guests  pass 
through,  the  tallest  stoop  for  those  suspended  on  the  long- 
est strings  and  the  shortest  reach  for  those  on  the  short 
strings*  Those  who  succeed  in  throwing  three  tiny  apples 


90  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

through  the  horseshoe,  which  is  hung  in  the  midst  of  these 
apples,  are  assured  of  phenomenal  luck  for  the  ensuing 
year. 

In  another  doorway  hang  a big  pear-shaped  pumpkin, 
on  whose  shining  surface  all  the  letters  of  the  alphabet 
have  been  burned  with  a hot  poker.  Keep  this  rapidly 
twirling  while  the  guests,  in  turn,  try  to  stab  some  letter 
with  long  meat-skewers.  The  letter  that  is  hit  will  estab- 
lish beyond  question  the  initial  letter  of  one’s  fate. 

Place  in  a tub  of  water  red,  yellow  and  green  apples. 
Provide  each  guest  with  a toy  bow  and  arrow.  The  young 
man  or  maiden  who  succeeds  in  firing  an  arrow  into  a red 
apple  will  be  assured  of  good  health ; plenty  of  money  is 
in  store  for  those  shooting  arrows  into  yellow  ones ; and 
good  luck  is  in  store  for  those  hitting  the  green  ones. 

Blindfold  each  girl  present  and,  presenting  her  with  a 
wand,  lead  her  to  a table  on  which  have  been  placed  flags 
of  the  different  men’s  colleges.  The  flag  her  wand  hap- 
pens to  touch  will  indicate  the  college  of  her  future  husband. 

Browning  nuts,  popping  corn,  roasting  apples,  and  toast- 
ing marshmallows  will  add  a great  deal  to  the  pleasure  of 
the  evening. 

The  dining-table  should  be  draped  in  pale  green  crepe 
paper,  the  lights  above  being  shrouded  in  gorgeous  orange. 
Pumpkins  of  various  sizes  should  be  scooped  and  scraped 
to  a hollow  shell  and,  lined  with  waxed  paper  and  filled 
with  good  things  to  eat,  should  be  placed  in  the  centre  of 
the  table.  Lighted  candles  and  quaint  oriental  lanterns 
will  add  greatly  to  the  decorations. 

The  menu  should  include  bannocks,  scones,  and  other 
Scotch  dainties.  If  desired,  droning  bagpipes  might  ac- 
company the  feast. 

After  listening  to  ghostly  tales  related  by  white* draped 
figures,  the  guests  rr  ay  receive  all  sorts  of  amusing  souve- 
nirs from  a large  pumpkin  placed  on  a table  at  the  door. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  9 1 

HANDKERCHIEF  BAZAAR 

Of  all  our  friends,  both  far  and  near, 

We  beg  the  kind  attention ; 

So  please  to  lend  us  now  your  ear, 

While  we  a subject  mention. 

To  carry  on  our  C.  E.  work, 

In  the  country  and  the  city, 

We  need  more  money  very  bad, 

And  hope  you’ll  help  us  with  it. 

The  committee''  intend  to  hold 
On  a day  not  distant  far 

A sale  for  both  the  young  and  old,— 

A handkerchief  bazaar. 

So  this,  then,  is  our  plea  in  brief: 

To  aid  our  enterprise 

We  beg  of  you  a handkerchief, 

Of  any  kind  or  size. 

Please  send  by  mail  before  April  yih  to 


The  above  invitation,  which  should  be  printed  on  a neat 
card,  explains  itself.  The  details  of  the  bazaar  may  be 
arranged  as  desired. 


HATCHET  PARTY 

If  the  Hatchet  Party  is  given  at  home  appropriate  invita- 
tions can  be  issued  in  the  form  of  a hatchet,  bearing  the 
words  in  quaint  letters  : 

“ Ye  Young  Women's  Christian  Temperance  Union  ex- 
tends ye  invitation  to  meete  ye  Hatchet  Familie  of  ye  anciente 
tyme  at  ye  home  of  Miss  May  Caspel , 236  Bell  Avenue , 
on  Wednesday  evening , ye  22d  of  Februarie  of  ye  year  of 
our  Lorde  1905,  at  eight  of  ye  clock'' 


92  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

The  decorations  should  conform  to  the  spirit  of  the 
evening.  A large  hatchet  covered  with  white  curled  tissue 
paper  may  be  hung  in  the  hall.  Plaques  of  little  red, 
white  and  blue  hatchets  may  take  the  place  of  flowers,  and 
in  the  hall  or  reception  room  there  should  be  a little  table 
of  “ Souvenirs.’ ’ These  should  be  little  bronze  hatchets 
with  the  letters  Y.  W.  C.  T.  U.  on  one  side.  Their 
handles  should  be  tied  with  narrow  ribbon — red,  white 
and  blue — and  each  guest  should  be  allowed  to  select  his 
color.  Thus  everybody  has  the  opportunity  offered  to  him 
of  becoming  a member  by  selecting  the  white  ribbon,  and 
in  this  way  everybody  is  compelled  to  “show  his  colors.” 

If  simple  refreshments  are  served,  let  the  Japanese  nap- 
kins have  a big  hatchet  gilded  on  them,  and  let  there  be 
some  plates  of  hatchet  cookies,  formed  by  the  cutter  that 
any  tinsmith  will  make  from  a pattern. 

Have  old-fashioned  candy — peppermint,  wintergreen, 
sassafras  and  molasses — instead  of  bonbons.  Play  the  old 
games — hunt  the  slipper,  blind  man’s  buff,  hide  and  seek. 

Names  for  the  members  of  the  Hatchet  Family  who  are 
to  receive  the  guests : 

Johanna  Adams  Hatchet, 

Tomazine  Jefferson  Hatchet, 

Jamesina  Madison  Hatchet, 

Jemima  Monroe  Hatchet, 

J.  Quinciana  Adams  Hatchet, 

Andrewsia  Jackson  Hatchet, 

Wilhemina  Henrietta  Harrison  Hatchet, 
Johnesetta  Tyler  Hatchet, 

Marty  Van  Buren  Hatchet, 

Jinny  Keturah  Polk  Hatchet, 

Zacherina  Taylor  Hatchet, 

Millarella  Fillmore  Hatchet. 

Ask  the  girls  who  impersonate  these  characters  to  come 
in  Martha  Washington  dress,  a flowered  chintz  or  silk 


93 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

overdress,  opening  in  front  to  show  a silk  or  sateen  skirt 
of  a plain  color,  which  may  be  quilted  if  desired.  The 
waist  is  made  to  open  over  a white  neckerchief  and  has 
elbow  sleeves.  A little  round  mob  cap  of  muslin  or  lace, 
with  a frill,  a band  of  ribbon  around  it,  and  a coquettish 
bow  complete  the  costume. 


ICE  FESTIVAL 

To  step  from  midsummer  into  winter  was  a surprise, 
when  the  admission  ticket  was  dropped  in  the  box  at  the 
door  on  the  night  of  the  festival  and  its  erstwhile  owner 
passed  into  the  hall.  Small  tables  stood  by  pine  and  cedar 
trees  that  were  covered  with  alum  icicles  and  sifted  over 
with  diamond  dust.  Here  groups  of  friends  ate  their 
cream  and  cake  together,  served  by  snow  spirits  in  white 
tarletan  gowns  that  sparkled  with  diamond  dust,  or  ice  fays 
whose  white  costumes  glittered  with  glass  beads.  On  the 
stage,  white  canton  flannel  and  diamond  dust,  heavy  gray 
wrapping  paper  folded  into  rocks,  trees  and  a rustic  bridge 
made  a realistic  representation  of  a snowclad  landscape. 
The  pleasing  program  consisted  of  dainty  dances  by  chil- 
dren dressed  as  snowflakes,  a pretty  ball  game  played  with 
snowballs,  recitations  and  songs  appropriate  to  the  winter 
season.  Another  novelty  was  a tree  covered  with  raw 
cotton  snowballs,  with  numbers  attached.  These  were 
sold  for  twenty-five  cents — each  purchaser  choosing 
a number — and  contained  the  small  fancy  articles  usually 
sold  at  fairs — pincushions,  needle-books,  cups  and  saucers, 
etc.  The  windows  were  all  screened  and  electric  fans 
hidden  by  evergreens  kept  the  hall  from  getting  over- 
heated. In  one  corner  was  a large  pond,  made  of  a 
shallow  wooden  tank  surrounded  by  more  gray  paper  rocks 
and  white  cotton  snow,  in  which  real  cakes  of  ice  were 
floating,  and  from  which  any  one  was  at  liberty  to  dip  as 
much  ice  water  as  he  cared  to  drink.  This  festival  was  a 
great  success. 


94 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

INAUGURATION  DAY  LUNCH 

The  guests  at  this  luncheon  are  to  represent  the  Vice- 
President  and  the  eight  members  of  the  Cabinet,  but  if  the 
hostess  wishes  to  entertain  a larger  number,  she  can  intro- 
duce one  or  two  of  the  foreign  Ambassadors.  Give  to  each 
guest,  as  she  arrives,  a card  bearing  the  title  of  one  of  the 
Cabinet,  as  the  Secretary  of  State,  the  Attorney-General, 
and,  if  necessary,  the  English  Ambassador.  While  waiting 
for  luncheon,  each  one  must  guess  the  name  of  the  man  she 
represents,  in  order  to  know  her  place  at  the  table,  where 
only  the  proper  names,  not  the  titles,  will  be  used.  It  will 
be  surprising  to  discover  how  few  of  the  members  of  the 
Cabinet  are  known  by  name  to  the  majority  of  persons. 

Pink  carnations  will  be  appropriate  for  all  decorations. 
Have  a large  bowl  of  these  in  the  centre  of  the  table,  and 
at  each  corner  lay  on  the  cloth  as  a doily  a spread  eagle 
cut  from  gilt  paper,  the  pattern  for  which  can  be  taken 
from  a revenue  flag  or  a ten  dollar  gold  piece.  Make  the 
distance  from  tip  to  tip  of  the  wings  about  twelve  inches, 
and  from  the  head  to  the  tail  seven  inches.  Place  upon  the 
eagles  dishes  of  olives,  nuts,  and  pink  candies. 

From  the  chandelier  to  the  corners  of  the  table  have 
sound  money  festoons,  which  are  made  by  cutting  out  of 
gilt  paper  a number  of  disks  the  size  of  a twenty-five  cent 
piece.  Paste  these  together  in  pairs,  first  laying  between 
them  a long  thread  which  connects  them  through  the  mid- 
dle and  forms  a chain. 

For  favors  have  cards  of  water- color  paper  painted 
around  the  edges  with  a festoon  of  pink  ribbon,  in  which, 
at  intervals,  are  knotted  scrolls  and  documentary  envelopes 
upon  which  are  printed  some  of  the  principles  of  the 
Republican  party,  such  as  “The  Monroe  doctrine  reaf- 
firmed,” “Reduction  of  war  taxes,”  “Allegiance  to  the 
gold  standard,”  etc.  At  the  top  of  each  card  write  the 
name  of  the  person  whom  each  guest  is  to  represent. 

In  the  centre  of  the  card  will  be  the  menu,  which  is  as 
follows : 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  95 

Post  Office  Soup 
The  Army 

The  Navy  Small  Shot 
Agricultural  Salad 
Cabinet  Pudding 
Ices  Philippine  Cakes 
Coffee 

A clear  soup,  with  noodles  for  letters,  fills  the  require- 
ments  of  the  Post  Office.  The  second  course  is  creamed 
sweetbreads  served  in  small  paper  boxes,  which  stand  upon 
large  pilot  crackers,  or,  in  army  language,  “hard  tack.” 
A sheet  of  paper  folded  double,  like  an  army  tent,  rests 
upon  the  crackers,  covering  the  box ; wooden  toothpicks 
stuck  through  the  sides  of  the  tent  into  the  paper  box  will 
prevent  the  former  from  slipping  out  of  place,  and  can 
easily  be  removed  after  serving.  On  the  outside  of  the 
tents  paint  in  large,  clear  letters  U.  S.  A.  The  crackers 
are  to  be  eaten  with  the  sweetbreads. 

The  navy  is  represented  by  having  the  chicken  cro- 
quettes formed  in  the  shape  of  a ship,  flat,  and  having  one 
end  pointed,  the  other  somewhat  rounding.  From  a drug- 
gist get  two  or  three  straws,  such  as  are  used  for  soda 
water,  cut  them  into  short  lengths,  and  just  before  serving, 
stand  two  or  three  in  each  croquette  to  represent  smoke- 
stacks. If  these  straws  cannot  be  obtained,  toothpick 
masts  with  paper  sails  will  be  quite  as  effective.  The 
croquettes  should  be  served  with  green  peas — small 
shot — and  scalloped  potatoes. 

Agricultural  or  vegetable  salad,  served  in  beets,  makes  a 
most  attractive  looking  dish.  Beets  of  medium  and  uni- 
form size  are  first  boiled  until  tender,  then  peeled  and 
placed  on  the  ice.  When  cold  cut  off  a slice  at  the  bottom, 
so  they  will  stand  firm,  scoop  out  the  insides,  leaving  only 
thin  walls.  For  the  filling  use  peas  and  apples,  celery  and 
beets,  cut  into  small  pieces,  and  mixed  well  with  mayon- 
naise ; fill  the  beets,  serving  them  on  lettuce  leaves.  The 
cabinet  pudding  is  that  which  is  to  be  found  in  any  cook  book, 
baked  in  individual  forms,  and  served  with  foamy  sauce. 


96  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

The  ices  are  in  the  form  of  horseshoes  for  good  luck,' 
and  with  them  are  the  Philippine  cakes.  These  are  small 
cakes  having  in  the  centre  of  each  a tiny  black  china  doll, 
two  of  which  can  be  purchased  for  a cent  at  any  toy  shop. 
These  are  put  in  after  the  cake  is  baked  and  before  icing, 
leaving  them  just  far  enough  out  to  show  the  arms. 

The  “coffee  which  makes  the  politician  wise,”  may  be 
served  at  the  table  or  after  returning  to  the  parlor. 

INDEPENDENCE  DAY  NECESSITIES 

1.  A powerful  submarine  weapon  of  offense. 

2.  A destroying  element,  and  an  accompaniment  to 
an  oyster-stew. 

3.  An  ancient  civilization,  and  a feeble  means  of  light. 

4.  A woman’s  toilet  necessity,  and  part  of  a wagon. 

5.  A color,  and  the  means  of  warmth. 

6.  The  chief  implement  of  warfare. 

7.  A two- wheeled  vehicle,  and  the  peak  of  a house. 

8.  Where  Nature’s  wealth  is  stored. 

9.  A kind  of  stone  used  in  paving. 

10.  Bardolph’s  companion  in  King  Henry  IV. 

11.  One  kind  of  head-gear. 

12.  What  a wise  mother  does  not  do  to  her  baby. 

13.  A carnation  with  u instead  of  i. 

14.  A musical  organization,  and  a long  lapse  of  time. 

15.  An  Irishman’s  name,  a disorderly  uprising,  and  an 
intellectual  fad. 

The  answers  are  held  by  the  hostess,  of  course,  and  are 
only  divulged  after  all  the  guesses  are  in.  They  are  as 
follows : 

Answers 

1.  Torpedoes.  4.  Pinwheels. 

2.  Fire-crackers.  5.  Red  fire. 

3.  Roman  candles.  6.  Guns. 


97 


Bright  Ideas 

7.  Cart-ridge. 

8.  Mines. 

9.  Flag. 

10.  Pistol. 

11.  Caps. 


for  Entertaining 

12.  Rock  it  (Rocket). 

13.  Pink  P(u)nk0 

14.  Band-ages. 

15.  Pat-riot-ism. 


Independence  Day  Menu 

Soup  a la  Americaine  (Potato) 
Colonial  Pot  Roast 

Baked  Tomatoes  Stewed  Corn 

Butter  Beans 

Columbia  Salad,  with  Star-shaped  Wafers 
Virginia  Corn  Bread 
Independence  Pudding,  Hard  Sauce 
Washington  Pie  Election  Cake 

Nuts  Fruit 

Coffee 


INDIAN  DINNER  PARTY 

Invitations  may  be  printed  or  written  on  birch  bark  or 
paper  imitations  of  same,  or  on  paper  cut  into  the  shape  of 
tomahawks,  tepees,  etc.,  and  may  be  hand-painted  if 
desired.  Decorations  should  be  Indian  blankets  (as  por- 
tieres, couch  covers,  and  mantel  draperies),  Indian  rugs, 
baskets,  tomahawks,  bows  and  arrows,  war  clubs,  chromos, 
colored  photographs,  clay  or  papier-mache  Indian  heads, 
plaques  and  busts,  etc.,  any  of  which  would  make  suitable 
favors.  A miniature  wigwam  made  of  blankets  in  an 
out-of-the-way  corner,  adds  effectiveness.  Footman  and 
maids  may  be  dressed  in  Indian  costumes  made  of  burlap 
with  bright  colored  trimmings  and  fringes ; or  the  guests 
may  be  invited  en  costume. 

For  table  decoration  a skin  should  be  placed  over  table 
cloth  through  the  centre  of  the  table  and  upon  it  an 
Indian  basket  filled  with  any  red  or  yellow  common  flow- 
ers, such  as  marigolds  or  nasturtiums  (red  and  yellow),  or 
better  still  with  wild  flowers,  red  or  yellow. 


98  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

The  menu  cards  and  name  cards,  of  stiff  ecru  paper, 
have  Indian  decorations  in  brilliant  red,  green  and  orange  ; 
the  candles  are  also  striped  in  the  same  vivid  colors  and 
the  candle  holders  are  made  of  corn  husks.  The  canoe, 
designed  for  the  entree,  which  is  the  chicken,  is  made  of 
heavy  brown  paper. 

Menu  for  Indian  Dinner 

Squaw  Soup 
(Bouillon) 

Wigwam  Croquettes 
(Fish) 

Chicken  a la  Canoe 
Saddle  of  Mutton 
Choctaw  Peas  Apache  Gravy 

Arrowhead  Potatoes 
Calumet  Squabs 

Pappoose  Rolls  Wickiup  Salad 
(Romain) 

Prune  Sioux 
(Feather  Cream) 

Hiawatha  Cakes  Indian  Punch 

Grasshopper  Cheese  Tomahawk  Coffee 


INDOOR  LAWN  PARTY 

Our  social  committee,  of  which  I was  then  chairman, 
wanted  very  much  to  have  a lawn  party ; but  the  season 
for  such  things  was  quite  over,  as  the  evenings  were  too 
cool.  However,  a bright  idea  occurred  to  one  of  our 
number,  and  we  decided  to  have  an  indoor  lawn  party. 

The  Saturday  afternoon  before  it  was  to  take  place,  four 
of  the  committee  took  a team,  went  out  into  the  woods,  and 
secured  a lot  of  pine  boughs,  autumn  leaves,  etc.,  and  Mon- 
day evening,  which  was  the  evening  before  it  occurred,  we 
increased  our  force  of  workers,  and  went  to  the  vestry  to 
turn  it,  as  far  as  possible,  into  an  outdoor  scene.  We 
trimmed  the  chandeliers,  posts,  and  every  available  spot 


99 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

with  boughs,  strung  Japanese  lanterns  all  across  the  room, 
made  a beautiful  bower  in  one  corner  for  the  orchestra,  for 
which  we  had  three  pieces,  a piano,  a violin,  and  a cornet. 
In  the  opposite  corner  of  the  room  we  had  a canvas  tent 
where  fortunes  were  told  at  five  cents  each  (by  palmistry) 
by  one  of  our  young  lady  gypsies.  Hammocks  were 
swung  from  the  large  stone  posts,  and  a standing  double 
swing  was  placed  on  one  side  of  the  room,  where  the 
younger  people  enjoyed  themselves  hugely. 

Small  tables  were  put  into  odd  corners  of  the  room, 
where  ice  cream  and  cake  were  served  by  ten  young  ladies 
in  pretty  summer  costumes.  Lemonade  was  served  from 
an  old  well,  which  was  a large  square  box  or  packing  case, 
covered  with  canvas,  painted  to  represent  a stone  wall.  To 
this  we  attached  a well-sweep  made  from  a branch  of  a 
tree,  tied  on  a large  new  tin  pail,  and  served  the  lemonade 
in  small  glasses  at  two  cents  a glass.  During  the  evening 
we  had  a male  quartette  gather  around  the  well  and  sing 
“The  Old  Oaken  Bucket,”  and  other  selections.  The 
orchestra  played  the  whole  evening  with  very  short  inter- 
missions. On  one  side  of  the  room  was  arranged  an  ar- 
tistic corner  where  peanuts  were  sold  at  the  usual  price  of 
five  cents  a bag. 

INITIAL  CHARACTERISTICS 


1.  Popular  Bishop Phillips  Brooks 

2.  Fought  Every  Winer Frances  E.  Willard 

3.  Serio-Comic... Samuel  Clemens 

4.  Fearless  Navigator Fridtjof  Nansen 

5.  Won  England’s  Greatness W.  E.  Gladstone 

6.  Little  Misses’  Admiration Louisa  M.  Alcott 

7.  Military  Suitor Miles  Standish 

8.  Rollicking  Bard Robert  Burns 

9.  United  States  General U.  S.  Grant 

10.  Moral  Light Martin  Luther 

11.  Eulogizes  Antipodes Edwin  Arnold 


10O 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 


12.  Tamed  Ambient  Electricity Thomas  A.  Edison 

13.  A Cunning  Delineator A.  Conan  Doyle 

14.  Handles  Christians Hall  Caine 

15.  Rabid  Iconoclast Robert  Ingersoll 

16.  Histrionic  Interpreter.. Henry  Irving 

17.  Serpentine  Belle Sara  Bernhardt 

18.  Equality  Benefits Edward  Bellamy 

19.  Just  Mother’s  Boy James  M.  Barrie 

20.  Frames  Many  Chronicles F.  Marion  Crawford 

21.  Lord  High  Celestial Li  Hung  Chang 

22.  Original,  Witty,  Humorous... .Oliver  Wendell  Holmes 

23.  Nipped  Bourbonism Napoleon  Bonaparte 

24.  Surgeon,  Writer,  Metrician  S.  Weir  Mitchell 

25.  Intelligent  Zealot Israel  Zangwill 

26.  Collected  Delectable  Writings C.  D.  Warner 

27.  Curiosity  Depicter Charles  Dickens 

28.  Cuba’s  Benefactor Clara  Barton 

29.  Eminently  Zealous Emile  Zola 

30.  Character  Revealed Charles  Reade 

31.  Caused  Revolutionary  Discussion.. Charles  R.  Darwin 

32.  Joyous  Lark Jenny  Lind 

33.  Fearless  Nurse.. Florence  Nightingale 

34.  Conspicuous  Senator Charles  Sumner 

35.  Ever  Frolicsome Eugene  Field 

36.  Suffrage  Brings  Advantages Susan  B.  Anthony 

37.  Pens  Lyrical  Dialect. ..Paul  Laurence  Dunbar 

38.  Always  Loyal Abraham  Lincoln 

39.  Great  Deed George  Dewey 

40.  Won  Recent  Surrender. W.  R.  Shafter 


JACK-O'-LANTERN  PARTY 

The  little  guests  at  this  particular  party  were  invited 
from  three  o’clock  until  seven,  and  when  they  arrived  they 
found  the  rooms  were  darkened.  The  lamps  had  yellow 
shades,  and  as  such  an  occasion  would  not  be  complete 
without  pumpkin  Jack-o’-lanterns,  there  were 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  lot 

“ Pumpkins  large  and  pumpkins  small, 

Pumpkins  short  and  pumpkins  tall, 

Pumpkins  yellow  and  pumpkins  green, 

Pumpkins  dull  and  those  with  sheen.  ” 

They  hung  in  every  nook  and  corner.  Even  the  jar- 
dinieres filled  with  flowers  were  made  of  them.  Wood 
was  crackling  and  blazing  in  the  large  fireplace,  as  if 
anxious  to  do  its  part  to  make  every  one  happy,  and  hang- 
ing from  the  chandelier  was  a branch  of  evergreen,  with 
nuts  suspended  in  such  a fashion  that  they  readily  fell  to 
the  floor  when'given  a slight  shake.  Before  this  was  done, 
however,  each  child  was  given  a paper  bag  to  hold  the 
nuts,  which  tumbled  in  all  directions.  Then  a huge 
pasteboard  pumpkin  covered  with  yellow  crinkled  paper 
was  brought  in.  I do  not  know  what  else  it  was  made  of ; 
I only  know  that  it  looked  like  a real  pumpkin.  Bright- 
colored  ribbons  hung  over  the  sides,  and  when  the  small 
boys  and  girls  took  turns  in  pulling  them,  out  came  all 
sorts  of  comical  little  toys  and  pretty  knickknacks. 

Before  supper  was  announced  the  children  were  given 
French  snappers  in  fringed  paper,  in  which  they  found 
either  a gay  cap  or  apron.  After  putting  them  on  they 
marched  around  the  parlors,  out  into  the  hall  and  into  the 
dining-room,  while  the  mother  of  the  little  girl  who  had 
planned  this  delightful  Hallowe’en  party  played  a march- 
ing tune  for  them. 

The  greatest  surprise  of  all  awaited  them  in  the  dining- 
room, for  the  walls  were  covered  with  large  branches  of 
evergreens,  making  it  seem  like  “real  woods”;  not  a 
chair  was  in  the  room  ; the  little  ones  were  invited  to  seat 
themselves  on  soft  cushions  placed  on  the  floor,  in  true 
picnic  style,  and  they  had  the  jolliest  time  eating  their  pic- 
nic supper  from  the  yellowest  of  yellow  gourds,  which  had 
been  hollowed  out,  lined  with  Japanese  napkins,  and  filled 
with  just  the  things  children  like  best.  On  top  of  each  one 
was  an  apple — or  at  least  they  thought  it  was,  until  taking 
it  in  their  hands,  when  it  proved  to  be  a bonbon  box  filled 


102 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

with  delicious  nut  candy.  Then  there  were  dainty  sand- 
wiches, pop  corn  balls  and  salad  in  orange  baskets.  But 
better  than  these  were  the  gingerbread  animals ; these  were 
so  natural  looking  that  the  little  ones  knew  right  away 
which  animals  were  represented. 

After  supper  they  played  games  until  seven,  when  they 
went  home,  laden  with  their  bags  of  nuts  and  toys  and  sou- 
venir lanterns. 


JAPANESE  CARD  PARTY 

Invitations  may  be  written  as  the  natives  write — up  and 
down,  instead  of  across,  on  rice  paper  or  paper  napkins ; 
or  little  Japanese  dolls  may  be  sent,  each  clasping  a note 
of  invitation. 

For  decorations,  use  Japanese  draperies,  cushions,  bead 
curtains,  rugs,  baskets,  swords,  scrolls,  umbrellas,  vases, 
fans,  lanterns,  screens,  bamboo  tables  and  chairs,  Japanese 
fern  balls,  with  tiny  Japanese  flags  and  fans  stuck  in  here 
and  there,  red,  or  red  and  white  Japanese  lilies,  ferns  com- 
bined with  red  and  yellow  ribbons,  etc.  ; or  the  walls  of 
the  rooms  may  be  entirely  covered  with  branches  of  trees 
profusely  decorated  with  cherry  blossoms  made  of  pink 
paper,  representing  the  beautiful  gardens  of  Tokio.  Burn- 
ing Japanese  incense  will  add  to  the  effectiveness.  The 
playing  cards  used  should  be  lacquered  designs  in  red  and 
yellow — Starlight,  Sunlight,  Storm,  Japanese  Lady  (Con- 
gress brand),  and  Japanese  Garden,  Japanese  Scenery,  and 
Sunset  (Lenox  brand).  For  the  signals  a Japanese  gong 
should  be  used  in  place  of  a bell.  The  favors  may  be 
Japanese  fans,  toys  and  novelties.  For  keeping  score, 
Japanese  paper  fans  may  be  had  in  pairs  (for  finding  part- 
ners), and  punched  with  a conductor’s  punch  for  games 
won.  Or  Japanese  dolls  may  be  used,  punching  their 
paper  kimonos.  For  prizes,  select  Japanese  incense  burn- 
ers, vases,  cloisonne,  tablewares,  white  metal  and  bronze 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  103 

novelties,  lacquer  goods,  handsome  fans,  or  embroidered 
kimonos. 

The  refreshments  may  be  served  from  a buffet — the 
guests  seated  Japanese  fashion  on  floor  cushions — and  may 
include  rice  cakes ; tea  punch  ; tea  as  a beverage ; “ Japa- 
nese ” salad,  made  of  all  kinds  of  vegetables,  served  in 
inverted  Japanese  umbrellas ; cherry  sherbet ; Japanese 
nuts,  etc. 


JAPANESE  SOCIABLE 

The  invitations  to  a Japanese  sociable  should  be  written 
as  the  natives  write,  up  and  down,  instead  of  across,  and 
have  a cherry  blossom  or  a Japanese  lady  in  water- colors 
in  one  corner  of  each. 

The  guests  should  be  informed  beforehand  that  each  one 
is  to  tell  something  or  read  something  about  Japan,  any 
little  item  of  interest  that  may  have  been  heard  or  read,  a 
pretty  poem  or  a little  story.  The  hostess  and  whoever 
assists  her  in  receiving  should  wear  kimonos  and  have  tiny 
fans  in  their  hair. 

Seats  in  a Japanese  corner  may  easily  be  arranged  of 
boxes  with  portieres  thrown  over  them.  Numerous  cush- 
ions may  be  piled  on  these  improvised  couches  and  on  the 
floor.  A Japanese  parasol  may  be  hung  in  the  corner, 
tilting  forward  to  form  a canopy,  and  the  walls  be  hung 
with  bead  curtains.  The  odor  from  burning  joss  sticks 
will  contribute  to  the  real  ness  of  the  affair.  Japanese 
lanterns  should  hang  about  the  room. 

After  the  stories  have  been  told  tiny  bits  of  paper  and 
pencils  may  be  passed  and  each  one  present  should  write 
down  the  name  of  the  one  who  did  best  according  to  her 
opinion.  A Japanese  cup  and  saucer  are  presented  to  the 
one  who  receives  the  most  votes. 

A pretty  decorative  idea  for  a Japanese  sociable  is  to 
cover  entirely  the  walls  of  the  room  with  branches  of  trees, 
with  cherry  blossoms  made  of  pink  paper — their  color  in 


104  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

Japan — scattered  profusely  over  them,  the  scene  represent- 
ing the  beautiful  gardens  of  Tokio.  If  musicians  are  to 
be  present  they  may  be  screened  by  a lattice  covered  with 
gold  paper,  and  vines  intertwined,  while  tiny  incandescent 
lights  shine  through.  Souvenirs  may  be  distributed  from 
a jinrikisha  covered  with  the  cherry  blossoms. 

The  dining-room  may  be  readily  transformed  into  Oriental 
style  with  very  little  trouble.  In  place  of  the  usual  tea- 
table  have  several  tabourettes,  each  holding  a teapot,  cups 
and  saucers,  lemon  and  sugar  wafers,  and  Japanese  nap- 
kins. A cushion  made  of  matting  should  be  placed  on 
the  floor  before  each  tabourette.  Those  who  serve  should 
be  in  Japanese  costume.  Paper  cherry  blossoms,  fastened 
to  tree  branches,  and  lanterns  would  make  effective  dec- 
orations. 

If  it  is  desired  to  have  a more  elaborate  menu,  it  may 
be  served  on  Japanese  plates,  and  should  consist  of  sand- 
wiches folded  in  Japanese  napkins,  vegetable  salad,  and 
rice  in  some  form.  For  dessert  serve  sherbet,  calling  it 
“ cherry  blossom  ice,”  and  with  it  have  wafers.  Tea  and 
Japanese  nuts  may  be  served  last  to  complete  the  Japanese 
idea. 


LITERARY  CONTEST 

Have  small  tables  numbered  and  arranged  to  seat  four 
or  six  persons.  Select  for  each  table  a judge,  who  will 
distribute  the  cards  and  blanks.  These  judges  hold  the 
keys  to  the  contests,  so  that  they  may  be  able  to  mark  the 
players  correctly. 

Give  each  player  a card  attached  to  a piece  of  baby 
ribbon  that  may  be  fastened  in  the  buttonhole.  Upon 
these  cards  the  number  of  points  gained  may  be  written, 
punched  with  a ticket  punch,  or  marked  with  fancy  wafers 
of  different  colors.  The  cards  must  be  numbered  to  cor- 
respond with  the  tables,  and  as  many  number  one  cards  pro- 
vided as  there  are  players  at  table  number  one,  and  so  on. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  105 

When  the  players  are  seated  at  the  tables  which  corre- 
spond in  number  with  the  number  upon  their  cards,  let 
the  judges  distribute  blank  paper  and  pencils,  also  copies 
of  the  questions  comprised  in  the  several  contests,  among 
the  players  at  their  respective  tables. 

A different  contest  must  be  prepared  for  each  one  of  the 
tables. 

When  everything  is  ready  the  hostess  of  the  evening 
should  tap  a bell  for  “ silence,”  and  announce  that  ten 
minutes  will  be  given  for  each  contest ; that  at  the  first  tap 
of  the  bell  all  must  begin  to  write  their  answers  out,  num- 
bering them  according  to  the  numbers  on  the  questions; 
at  the  second  tap  the  judges  are  to  collect  the  answers  at 
their  respective  tables  and  mark  on  each  player’s  card  the 
number  of  points  made.  The  system  of  marking  is  as  fol- 
lows : Each  player  is  given  as  many  marks  as  he  has  an- 
swered questions  correctly,  and  the  totals  are  summed  up 
at  the  end  of  the  game. 

During  the  progress  of  the  game  there  must  be  no  talk- 
ing nor  .any  questions  asked.  At  the  third  tap  of  the  bell 
the  players  at  table  number  one  go  to  table  number  two, 
and  so  on,  those  at  the  last  table  moving  up  to  table  num- 
ber one.  This  progression  continues  until  all  the  players 
have  had  their  opportunity  to  answer  all  the  questions  in 
the  contests.  At  each  change  blank  paper  is  distributed, 
and  a bell  rung  as  in  the  first  instance.  When  the  round 
has  been  completed  the  points  are  counted  and  the  prizes 
awarded.  A popular  book  makes  an  excellent  first  prize ; 
a box  of  candy  in  the  shape  of  a book,  a second ; and  a 
“Primer,”  a third. 

The  following  are  the  various  contests : 


Contest  No.  i 

The  charming  heroine,  my  friends, 

Was  known  as (“  Alice  of  Old  Vincennes”). 

She  lived  when  Indians  were  a power, 


106  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

And  not (“  When  Knighthood  was  in  Flower  ”). 

And  in  those  past  times,  quaint  and  olden, 

She  fell  in  love  with (“  Eben  Holden  ”). 

Then,  while  her  friends  began  to  marvel 

A rival  came,  named (“  Richard  Carvel  ”). 

Each  rival  his  keen  sword  did  draw, 

And  heeded  not (“  The  Reign  of  Law*’). 

They  slew  each  other,  alas  ! and  then 

She  married  a man  named (“  Crittenden  ”). 

The  merry  bells  rang  loud  in  the  steeple 

And  loudly  cheered (“  The  Voice  of  the  People  ”). 

The  two  rode  away  on  a double  bike 

And  lived  in (“  Stringtown  on  the  Pike  ”). 

They  did  not  gossip  with  each  neighbor, 

But  each  one  did (“  The  Portion  of  Labor  ”). 


Contest  No.  2 

Write  out  the  following  quotations  correctly  : 

1.  Beauty  is  always  a thing  of  joy. 

2.  Let  us  therefore  get  up  and  go  to  work. 

3.  The  man  who  steals  my  pocketbook  gets  very  little. 

4.  Every  one  who  knows  you,  loves  you. 

5.  Do  pretty  and  you’ll  be  pretty. 

6.  God  keeps  the  shorn  lamb  from  the  wind. 


KEY 

1.  A thing  of  beauty  is  a joy  forever. 

2.  Let  us  then  be  up  and  doing. 

3.  Who  steals  my  purse  steals  trash. 

4.  None  knew  thee  but  to  love  thee. 

5.  Handsome  is  that  handsome  does. 

6.  God  tempers  the  wind  to  the  shorn  lamb. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  107 


Contest  No.  3 

Heroes  and  heroines — in  what  books  do  they  figure  ? 


1.  John  Ridd. 

2.  Agnes  Wakefield. 

3.  Pomona. 

4.  Dorothea  Brooke. 

5.  Dorothy  Manners. 

6.  Glory  Quayle. 


KEY 

“Lorn a Doone.’ ’ 
“David  Copperfield.” 
“ Rudder  Grange.1  ’ 

“ Middlemarch.” 
“Richard  Carvel.’ * 

“ The  Christian.” 


Contest  No.  4 

Fill  blank  spaces  with  titles  of  popular  novels 

In  the  little  village  of  S o — t — P , F — — f — 

t M— C , lived  the  H . P S . 

With  him  resided  his  lovely  ward,  J M . She 

was  A O P G , and  knew  little  of  T 

W , W W . She  had,  however,  A P 

o B E and  G E . Among  her  ad- 
mirers were  R C J H , and  T L 

M . 


KEY 

In  the  little  village  of  “ Stringtown  on  the  Pike,”  “Far 
from  the  Madding  Crowd,”  lived  the  “ Hon.  Peter  Sterl- 
ing.” With  him  resided  his  lovely  ward,  “Janice  Mere- 
dith.” She  was  “An  Old-Fashioned  Girl,”  and  knew 
little  of  “The  Wide,  Wide  World.”  She  had,  however, 
“A  Pair  of  Blue  Eyes”  and  “Great  Expectations.” 
Among  her  admirers  were  “ Richard  Carvel,”  “ John 
Halifax,”  and  “The  Little  Minister.” 


lo8  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 


Contest  No.  5 

Synonyms  for  names  of  literary  men 


KEY 

1.  Severe. 

Sterne. 

2.  Strong. 

Hardy. 

3.  Sombre. 

Black. 

4.  Jeweler. 

Goldsmith 

5.  Crossing-place. 

Ford. 

6.  Rapid. 

Swift. 

Contest  No.  6 

The 

' answers  to  these  questions  are  the  names 

of  authors 

KEY 

1. 

When  we  leave  here  we  go  to  our  what  ? 

Holmes. 

2. 

What  dies  only  with  life  ? 

Hope. 

3- 

What  does  a maiden’s  heart  crave? 

Lover. 

4* 

What  does  an  angry  person 

often  raise  ? 

Caine. 

5- 

What  should  all  literary  people  do  ? 

Reade. 

6. 

If  a young  man  would  win  what  should 

he  do? 

Sue. 

Contest  No.  7 
Give  the  name  of — 


The  most  cheerful  author. 
The  noisiest  author. 

The  tallest  author. 

The  most  flowery  author. 
The  holiest  author. 

The  happiest  author. 

The  most  amusing  author. 
The  most  fiery  author. 

The  most  talkative  author. 
The  most  distressed  author. 


KEY 

Samuel  Smiles 

Howells. 

Longfellow. 

Hawthorne. 

Pope. 

Gay. 

Thomas  Tickell 
Burns. 
Chatterton. 
Akenside. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  109 

Again,  the  hostess  may  prepare  a certain  number  of 
blank  cards,  with  the  heading  on  each  one  “ Who  and 
What?”  On  a second  lot  of  cards  she  can  have  pasted 
the  pictures  of  some  noted  writers — Thackeray,  Dickens, 
Scott,  Dumas,  Balzac,  Tolstoi,  Browning,  George  Eliot, 
Carlyle,  Longfellow,  Cooper,  Emerson,  Bryant,  Holmes. 
The  pictures  of  more  recent  writers  will  answer  her  pur- 
pose just  as  well.  These  pictures  can  be  obtained  from 
illustrated  catalogues  of  books.  Of  these  cards  there 
should  be  as  many  as  there  are  guests  if  the  company  be 
a small  one,  or  as  many  cards  as  the  hostess  may  desire ; 
a dozen  is  a very  good  number 

Supply  each  guest  with  one  of  the  blank  cards  and  a 
pencil  and  then  start  into  circulation  the  cards  on  which 
are  pasted  the  pictures  of  the  authors.  Let  the  guests  pass 
the  cards  from  one  to  another,  and  write  down,  according 
to  the  number  on  the  picture-card,  and  opposite  the  cor- 
responding number  on  their  own,  the  name  of  each  author 
and  some  book  he  has  written.  This  will  be  found  a more 
difficult  task  than  one  imagines,  and  numerous  guesses  will 
doubtless  go  wide  of  the  mark.  The  one  whose  card  is 
filled  out  correctly,  or  the  nearest  to  it,  may  be  presented 
with  a copy  of  some  late  popular  book,  and  a toy  book 
might  be  used  as  a booby  prize. 

LITERARY  EVENING 

In  the  note  of  invitation  each  one  should  be  requested 
to  wear  something  suggestive  of  a book  title. 

Upon  arrival,  each  guest  should  be  furnished  with  a 
card  bearing  the  names  of  the  entire  company.  When 
one  fancies  he  has  discovered  a title,  he  should  say 
nothing  about  it,  but  write  the  title  opposite  the  name  of 
the  impersonator.  When  as  much  time  has  been  given  to 
this  part  of  the  program  as  has  been  thought  desirable,  the 
hostess  calls  the  company  to  order  and  reads  aloud  a 
correct  list  of  names  and  titles,  and  each  corrects  his  card 


1 io 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

accordingly ; or,  still  better,  let  the  cards  be  exchanged,  so 
that  each  must  correct  that  of  his  neighbor,  which  will  relieve 
the  victor  of  the  necessity  of  announcing  his  own  success. 

The  guests  may  represent  their  titles  in  as  inexpensive 
or  as  elaborate  a way  as  they  choose.  She  who  represents 
“Rose  in  Bloom  ” need  only  wear  a full-blown  rose. 
“Sentimental  Tommy  ” wears  a Scotch  cap  bearing  the 
words  “From  Thrums  ” on  the  front,  and,  when  talking, 
finds  many  opportunities  of  informing  his  questioners, 
“ I’ll  find  a w’y  ! 99  “ The  Hidden  Hand  99  may  be  repre- 

sented by  a gentleman  who  carries  his  hand  in  a sling  con- 
cealed from  view.  “A  Penniless  Girl”  is  easily  repre- 
sented by  a girl  carrying  an  empty  purse  open  and  sus- 
pended at  her  belt.  “The  Woman  in  White,”  “Little 
Red  Riding  Hood,”  and  “The  Scarlet  Letter”  are  all 
easily  represented.  Three  small  white  wings  tied  together 
with  a ribbon  represents  very  well  “White  Wings”  by 
William  Black. 

It  is  not  desirable  that  the  costume  speak  too  plainly  of 
the  title  selected,  for  the  guests  are  expected  to  question 
one  another  regarding  their  peculiarities,  and  so  they  must 
be  well  informed  as  to  the  books  they  represent. 

An  appropriate  menu  for  a literary  evening  follows  : 

Menu 

“ And  like  a lobster  boiled.” — Butler. 

(Lobster  a la  Newburg.) 

“ What  first  I want  is  daily  bread.” — John  Quincy  Adams . 

(Bread  and  Butter.) 

“ You  are  lovely  leaves.” — Herrick. 

(Lettuce  Salad.) 

“ I will  use  the  olive.” — Shakespeare. 

(Olives.) 

**  My  choice  would  be  Vanilla  Ice.” — Holmes . 

(Ice  Cream.) 

“ Water  with  berries  in  it.” — Anon. 

(Coffee.) 

e<  Oh,  that  I were  an  almond  salted  ! ”— Merrill \ 

(Salted  Almonds.) 


Ill 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

LITERARY  PEOPLE 

Write  the  questions  on  red  cards  and  the  answers  on 
white.  Have  each  question  and  answer  numbered  in 
succession.  Let  the  gentlemen  select  the  red  and  the 
ladies  the  white  cards,  and  when  the  gentlemen  read  the 
questions,  let  the  ladies  read  the  answers.  This  is  also  a 
good  way  to  match  partners  for  refreshments. 


1.  What  flower  did  Alice  Cary? 

Pansy. 

2.  What  did  Eugene  Fitch  Ware? 

John  Godfrey  Saxe. 

3.  What  does  Anthony  Hope  ? 

To  Marietta  Holley. 

4.  What  happens  when  John  Kendrick  Bangs  ? 

Samuel  Smiles. 

5.  Why  did  Helen  Hunt  Jackson  ? 

Because  she  wanted  him  to  Dr.  O.  W.  Holmes. 

6.  What  did  Charles  Dudley  Warner  ? 

Not  to  go  into  a boat  and  let  E.  P.  Roe. 

7.  Why  was  Rider  Haggard? 

Because  he  let  Rose  Terry  Cooke. 

8.  Why  is  Sarah  Grand  ? 

To  make  Ik  Marvel. 

9.  Why  is  George  Canning  ? 

To  teach  Julia  Ward  Howe. 

10.  What  ailed  Harriet  Beecher  Stowe? 

Bunyan. 

11.  What  is  it  William  Macy? 

How  Thomas  Knox. 

12.  When  did  Mary  Mapes  Dodge? 

When  George  W.  Cutter. 

13.  What  will  turn  John  Locke? 

Francis  S.  Key. 

14.  When  is  Marian  Evans  Cross? 

When  William  Dean  Howells. 


1 12 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

15.  When  did  Thomas  Buchanan  Read  ? 

Just  after  Winthrop  Mackworth  Praed. 

16.  What  did  Julia  McNair  Wright  ? 

Judge  Joseph  Story. 

17.  What  did  Eugene  J.  Hall? 

Charles  Carleton  Coffin. 

18.  What  is  James  Warden  Owen  ? 

What  ten  pounds  of  Hezekiah  Butterworth. 

19.  Where  did  Henry  Cabot  Lodge? 

In  Mungo  Park,  on  Thomas  Hill. 

20.  How  long  will  Samuel  Lover  ? 

Until  Justin  Windsor. 

2io  What  gives  John  Howard  Payne? 

When  Robert  Burns  Augustus  Hare. 

MEASURING  PARTY 

The  giving  of  such  a party  is  a pleasing  way  of  raising 
money  for  some  charitable  object. 

The  invitations  should  read  somewhat  like  the  follow- 
ing : 

You  are  cordially  invited  to  attend  a 
Measuring  Party  to  be  given  by  the 
East  End  Connett  V.  IV.  C.  T.  U, 
at  the  home  of  the  President , 

Mrs . Herbert  B.  Linscotty 
Monday  evening , October  29th,  1905. 

Below,  this  verse  should  be  printed  : 

A measuring  party  we  give  for  you, 

’Tis  something  pleasant  as  well  as  new. 

The  invitation  carries  a sack, 

For  use  in  bringing  or  sending  back 
Five  cents  for  every  foot  you’re  tall, 

Measure  yourself  against  the  wall. 

An  extra  cent  for  each  inch  you’ll  give, 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  1 13 

And  thereby  show  how  high  you  live. 

Then  with  music  and  song,  recitation  and  pleasure, 

We  will  meet  one  and  all  at  our  party  of  measure. 

With  each  invitation  should  be  sent  a tiny  bag  made  of 
a bit  of  silk  or  ribbon.  On  the  night  of  the  entertainment, 
these  bags  with  the  money  that  has  been  placed  in  them 
are  brought  by  the  guests  and  deposited  in  a large  bowl  at 
the  door.  The  party  then  proceeds  in  the  usual  manner. 
Care  should  be  taken  to  carry  out  the  program  suggested 
in  the  last  two  lines  of  the  above  verse.  Much  amuse- 
ment may  be  created  by  having  some  one  appointed  to 
take  various  measurements  of  the  guests  attending,  such 
as  the  length  of  the  nose,  size  of  the  head,  size  of  the 
hand,  etc. 


MEDICAL  SOCIABLE 

Procure  the  small  glass  vials  used  by  homoeopathic 
physicians.  On  the  outside  of  each  one  paste  a narrow 
slip,  on  which  is  written  the  name  of  some  trouble  for 
which  the  Bible  offers  a remedy.  On  another  slip  write 
the  Bible  verse  which  gives  the  cure.  Roll  it  up,  and  run 
a thread  through  it  which  is  fastened  to  the  cork.  Here 
are  some  suggestions  : Discouragement,  Ps.  42  : 5 ; Sadness, 
Ps.  16:  11  ; Pain,  Rev.  21  : 4;  Doubt,  Despair,  Anger, 
Impatience,  Laziness,  Unruly  tongue,  Loneliness,  Sleep- 
lessness, Weakness,  Pride,  Bitterness,  Covetousness.  The 
corresponding  Bible  references  will  easily  be  found  by 
using  a concordance.  Have  one  corner  of  the  room  ar- 
ranged for  a drug-store.  Each  person  will  receive  from 
the  “ store  ” one  bottle  and  the  cork  belonging  to  a differ- 
ent bottle.  He  must  hunt  till  he  has  discovered  the 
“medicine”  (cork  and  paper)  belonging  to  his  own 
bottle,  and  has  delivered  the  cork  he  holds  to  the  proper 
bottle.  Have  papers  read  on  the  care  of  the  body  and  the 
care  of  the  soul,  and  also  Bible-readings  on  miracles  of  heal- 


114  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

ing.  Later  have  some  one,  who  has  looked  up  the  subject  be- 
forehand, read  a list  of  some  of  the  most  interesting  Scripture 
references  to  various  parts  of  the  body.  These  can  readily 
be  hunted  out  with  the  help  of  a concordance.  Some  of 
the  Old  Testament  references  will  be  found  to  be  very 
quaint  indeed.  Decorate  the  room  with  mottoes,  such  as  : 
“ Is  there  no  balm  in  Israel,  is  there  no  physician  there  ? ” 


MEDICAL  TRUNK 

“In  my  wonderful  trunk  I have  two  very  tall  tropical 
trees  (palms) ; something  used  by  an  artist  (palette 
[palate]  ) ; weapons  of  war  (arms)  ; many  wild  animals, 
and  two  domestic  ones  (hares  [hairs],  calves) ; something 
worn  by  a king  (crown)  ; a bright  garden  flower  (tulips 
[two  lips]);  a musical  instrument  (drum);  two  fish  and 
many  shell  fish  (soles,  muscles)  ; branches  of  trees  (limbs)  ; 
a student  (pupil)  ; something  used  in  ship-building  (ribs) ; 
whips  without  handles  (lashes)  ; a product  of  a spruce-tree 
(gum)  ; something  used  by  carpenters  (nails);  a part  of 
a clock  (hands) ; a large  wooden  box  (chest)  ; part  of  a 
wagon  (tongue)  ; something  grown  on  a cornstalk  (ears)  ; 
a part  of  a shoe  (heel) ; ten  Spanish  gentlemen  (ten  dons 
[tendons]  ) ; part  of  a nail  (head) ; weather  cocks  (vanes 
[veins]);  two  kitchen  utensils  (pans  [knee]);  part  of  a 
knife  (blade  [shoulder]  ) ; edge  of  a saw  (teeth) ; terms 
used  in  voting  (ayes  and  noes  [eyes  and  nose]  ) ; covering 
of  an  apple  (skin) ; a certain  measure  (feet) ; something 
seen  in  accidents  (blood) ; a part  of  a house  (roof  [of  the 
mouth]  ) ; covers  to  pails  (lids) ; something  used  in  up- 
holstering (tow  [toe]  ) ; part  of  a stove-pipe  (elbow) ; a 
part  of  a table  (legs) ; something  served  with  ice  cream 
(lady  fingers)  ; a kind  of  deer  (hart  [heart]  ) ; part  of  a 
river  (mouth) ; something  used  by  negro  minstrels  (bones) ; 
best  part  of  a goose  (back) ; part  of  a ship  (side) ; a nar- 
row strip  of  land  (neck) ; hotel  steps  (inn  steps  [insteps]  ).” 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  li^ 

MILITARY  SOCIABLE 

This  is  a form  of  entertainment  suitable  for  Independ- 
ence Day.  “ Military  Checkers,”  played  at  small  tables, 
may  furnish  appropriate  amusement. 

Each  table  is  named  for  some  fort : “Fort  Ticonder- 
oga,”  “Fort  Duquesne,”  etc.  Though  the  players  “ pro- 
gress” from  one  table  to  another,  all  their  honors  are 
counted  as  belonging  to  the  fort  of  their  first  allegiance,  to 
which  table  they  return  each  time  they  win. 

The  prizes  may  be  in  any  form  suggestive  of  Independ- 
ence Day.  An  enameled  pencil  in  the  shape  of  a fire- 
cracker, or  flag-shaped  cuff-links,  would  do  for  the  man’s 
prize,  and  a cracker-jar  for  the  lady’s  prize. 

The  piazza  should  be  strung  with  colored  lanterns, 
which  can  be  lighted  when  the  guests  are  in  the  dining- 
room at  supper.  The  dining-room  may  be  simply  dec- 
orated with  red  roses  and  vines,  and  the  dining-room 
table  in  the  same  way,  a big  blue-and- white  bowl  in  the 
centre  of  the  table  holding  the  roses.  These  roses  should 
be  bright  red  in  color.  Small  flags  serve  as  doilies,  and 
the  china  used  should  be  blue -and -white.  The  candle- 
sticks upon  the  table  hold  white  candles  ; the  shades  should 
be  red,  and  streamers  of  blue  ribbons  are  tied  about  the 
base  of  the  candles,  falling  with  graceful  effect  over  the 
brightly  polished  candlesticks.  The  bonbons  are  placed 
upon  the  table  in  two  small  raffia  baskets.  Each  bonbon 
is  tied  about  with  a band  of  baby-ribbon. 

When  the  supper  is  nearly  over  the  baskets  of  bonbons 
are  passed,  one  to  the  men  and  the  other  to  the  ladies. 
Each  guest  takes  one  candy,  and  it  is  found  that  no  two  in 
one  basket  have  the  same  colored  ribbon.  Each  confec- 
tion in  the  men’s  basket,  however,  has  a mate  in  the 
ladies’  basket,  and  in  this  way  partners  are  found  for  the 
old-time  Virginia  reel,  which  is  danced  on  the  piazza.  As 
a jolly  ending  to  the  fun  the  men  of  the  party  set  off  some 
fireworks. 


Il6  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

MORNING  GLORY  FAIR 

At  a recent  church  fair  the  flower-booth  attracted  special 
notice.  It  was  decorated  with  morning  glories  made  of 
crepe  paper,  in  different  colors.  The  flowers  were  pro- 
fusely twined  among  the  spruce  boughs  that  formed  the 
top  of  the  booth,  and  were  extremely  effective  and  very 
natural.  The  flower-girls  wore  large  hats  with  morning 
glory  trimming,  and  were  in  light  summer  dresses.  All 
the  other  tables  were  similarly  decorated,  and  those  in 
charge  wore  morning  glories  in  profusion,  twined  in  the 
hair  and  falling  in  graceful  festoons  from  skirt  and  bodice. 
Morning  glory  tea  was  served  from  a small  table,  over 
which  stood  a large  Japanese  umbrella  covered  with  the 
flowers;  the  cups  carried  out  the  color  scheme  of  the 
flowers.  Each  person  purchasing  a cup  of  tea  was  pre- 
sented with  a flower  as  a souvenir  of  the  occasion. 


MOTHER  GOOSE  GAME 

During  the  evening  a slip  of  paper  is  handed  to  each 
guest  with  the  name  of  one  of  the  Mother  Goose  characters 
upon  it.  The  hostess  retains  a list  of  these,  and  calls  each 
in  turn  to  repeat  within  the  space  of  one  minute  the 
familiar  verse  relative  to  this  character.  Failing  to  do  this 
a forfeit  must  be  paid.  The  one  who  is  most  prompt  in 
responding  correctly  may  receive  as  a prize  a goose-quill 
pen  ; and  the  one  who  fails,  a copy  of  “ Mother  Goose.” 
Just  before  refreshments  are  served  the  “ Goose  Drill  ” may 
be  participated  in  to  the  time  of  a march,  and  the  couples 
proceed  to  the  refreshment  room,  where  they  are  served 
with  the  following : 

1.  Shared  by  the  walrus  and  car- 
penter. (Oysters) 

2.  A King’s  dish  (Bird  pie) 

3.  A Queen’s  lunch.  (Bread  and  honey) 

4.  Taffy’s  spoils.  (Beef  sandwiches) 


ii7 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

5.  The  golden  eggs.  (Egg  sandwiches) 

6.  Old  woman’s  broom.  (Cheese-straws) 

7.  What  the  baker  made.  (Rolls) 

8.  Sample  of  the  pieman’s  ware.  (Washington  cake-pie) 

9.  Jack-a-dandy’s  delight.  (Plum  cake) 

10.  What  the  ships  brought.  (Apples  and  comfits) 

The  numbered  list  of  refreshments  should  be  printed 
upon  small  cards,  which  may  be  retained  as  souvenirs  of 
the  occasion.  The  guests  order  what  they  choose.  The 
key  is  retained  by  the  hostess. 


MUSICAL  CARD  PARTY 

A good  color  scheme  for  this  affair  is  brown  and  yellow. 
Invitations  may  be  in  the  form  of  a scroll,  engraved  with  a 
selection  from  some  favorite  opera,  or  may  represent  the 
“ G ” clef  in  brown  and  yellow  water  colors.  For  decora- 
tions use  yellow  flowers,  yellow  shaded  lights  and  yellow 
and  brown  hangings.  Tally  cards  may  be  painted  to  rep- 
resent different  musical  instruments,  such  as  violins,  guitars, 
mandolins,  etc. ; or  miniature  tambourines  and  banjos  may 
be  used  for  scoring,  hung  by  long  loops  of  ribbon  over  the 
shoulders,  and  becoming  before  the  close  of  the  evening 
gayly  decked  with  ribbons — yellow  for  the  winners  and 
brown  for  the  losers.  Musical  quotations  in  halves  may 
designate  partners.  For  prizes,  musical  pictures  in  brown^ 
coloring,  burnt  wood  plaques  of  famous  musicians,  a 
Flemish  musical  stein  in  brown  and  yellow,  a brown 
leather  music  roll  tied  for  the  occasion  with  yellow  stream- 
ers, musical  novels,  an  upright  piano  candy  box  with  the 
key  board  movable  to  show  the  candy  inside,  etc.,  may  be- 
used.  Toy  music  boxes  and  grotesque  musical  instru- 
ments make  amusing  booby  prizes.  A triangle,  like  those 
for  orchestral  playing,  may  indicate  progressions,  instead 
of  a bell. 

For  a brown  and  yellow  menu : 


Il8  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

Brown  Croquettes  Potato  Balls 

Brown  Breadsticks 
Chicken  Salad,  yellow  Mayonnaise 
Orange  Ice  Cream,  served  in  orange-peel  baskets 
Chocolate  Cake  Chocolate  Icing 

Chocolate  and  Lemon  Bonbons 
Yellow  Cheese  Balls 
Coffee,  with  yellow  whipped  Cream 


MUSICAL  EVENING 

The  invitations  should  be  sent  in  small  imitation  music 
rolls,  and  headed  with  a line  of  appropriate  music.  As 
each  guest  enters  he  receives  a long,  narrow  strip  of  paste- 
board, bearing  a portion  of  some  familiar  song,  both  words 
and  music.  Each  card  bears  a number,  and  the  eight 
whose  cards  are  numbered  alike  are  instructed  to  get 
together  and  practice  to  sing  a verse  formed  by  the  union 
of  their  eight  cards.  A bell  calls  them  to  order,  judges 
are  appointed,  and  each  group  sings  its  song,  a pianist 
accompanying  them.  While  the  judges  are  preparing  their 
verdict,  a short  musical  program  may  be  rendered.  A 
bouquet  of  flowers  may  be  presented  to  the  group  whose 
musical  effort  is  considered  the  best.  The  bouquet  may 
consist  of  eight  small  buttonhole  bouquets,  one  for  each 
member  of  the  group.  Make  a list,  numbering  from  one 
to  twenty,  of  tunes  that  are  perfectly  familiar  to  every  one. 
“Yankee  Doodle,”  “America,”  “Annie  Rooney,”  or  any 
of  the  later  popular  songs,  are  some  of  the  airs  that  are 
known  everywhere.  Number  as  many  cards  as  there  are 
guests,  with  twenty  numbers  on  consecutive  lines.  These, 
with  pencils,  are  distributed  to  the  people  as  they  arrive. 
An  accomplished  pianist  then  plays  snatches  of  each  tune, 
in  the  order  that  the  list  calls  for.  Just  enough  of  the 
piece  is  played  to  let  the  melody  be  indicated.  Each  per- 
son, as  the  air  is  played,  puts  down  against  the  number  on 
the  card  what  he  thinks  the  tune  is.  At  the  end  the  cards 
are  collected*  and  prizes  given  to  the  most  successful* 


U9 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

To  match  partners,  write  the  notes  of  a bar  or  two  of 
some  well-known  melody  on  the  lady’s  card,  and  the  bal- 
ance on  the  gentleman’s  card. 


MUSICAL  GUESSING  CONTEST 


I. 

Used  on  a bundle. 

(Chord  [cord]) 

2. 

A place  of  residence. 

(Flat) 

3- 

A reflection  on  character. 

(Slur) 

4- 

Bottom  of  a statue. 

(Bass  [base]) 

5- 

An  unaffected  person. 

(Natural) 

6. 

Used  in  driving  horses. 

(Lines) 

7- 

What  makes  a check  valid. 

(Signature) 

8. 

What  we  breathe  every  day. 

(Air) 

9- 

Seen  on  the  ocean. 

(Swells) 

IO. 

What  betrays  nationality. 

(Accent) 

n. 

An  association  of  lawyers. 

(Bar) 

12. 

Used  in  climbing. 

(Staff) 

!3* 

Part  of  a sentence. 

(Phrase) 

14. 

Belonging  to  a fish. 

(Scales) 

*5- 

Used  in  wheeling. 

(Pedals) 

16. 

A girl’s  name. 

(Grace) 

i7- 

Used  in  flavoring  soup. 

(Time  [Thyme]) 

18. 

Often  passed  in  school. 

(Notes) 

19. 

Used  in  a store. 

(Counters) 

20. 

An  instrument  not  blunt. 

(Sharp) 

MUSICAL  ROMANCE 

The  young  hostess  announced  that  a love  story  of  the 
Civil  War  would  be  related  in  musical  numbers,  and  to 
the  one  who  should  best  interpret  them  a prize  would  be 
awarded.  All  were  provided  with  cards  and  pencils  and 
a young  woman  seated  herself  at  the  piano.  The  hostess 
then  asked  “What  was  the  heroine  called?”  Whereupon 
the  familiar  notes  of  “Sweet  Marie”  were  heard,  and  it 
began  to  be  understood  that  the  names  of  popular  airs— 


120 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

given  with  much  spirit  by  the  pianist — would  furnish  the 
answers  to  the  questions  propounded*  to  be  recorded  upon 
the  cards.  The  story  progressed  thus  : 

What  was  the  hero’s  name?  “ Robin  Adair.” 

£"Where  was  he  born  ? “ Dixie.” 

Where  was  she  born?  “ On  the  Suwanee  River.” 
j Where  did  they  meet?  “Comm*  thro’  the  rye.” 

At  what  time  of  day  was  it?  “Just  as  the  sun  went 
down.” 

When  did  he  propose?  “After  the  ball  was  over.” 

What  did  he  say?  “Only  one  girl  in  this  world  for 
me.” 

What  did  she  say?  “I’ll  leave  my  happy  home  for 
you.” 

What  did  he  then  bid  her?  “ A soldier’s  farewell.” 

What  did  the  band  play  ? “ The  girl  I left  behind  me.” 

Where  did  he  go?  “Georgia.” 

Where  did  he  spend  that  night?  “Tenting  on  the  old 
camp  ground.” 

What  did  the  band  play  when  he  came  home?  “ When 
Johnny  comes  marching  home.” 

Where  were  they  married?  “ Old  Kentucky  home.” 

Who  were  the  bridesmaids  ? “ Two  little  girls  in  blue.” 

Who  furnished  the  music?  “Whistling  Rufus.” 

Who  furnished  the  wedding  feast?  “Rosie  O’Grady.” 

Where  did  they  make  their  home  ? “On  the  banks  of 
the  Wabash.” 

What  was  their  motto?  “ Home,  sweet  home.” 

Where  did  they  always  remain?  “America.” 

The  music  was  a new  feature,  and  the  fact  that  the  airs 
were  so  well  known  made  it  the  more  enjoyable.  The 
advantage  of  the  winner  being  so  slight,  the  pleasure  of 
success  was  the  more  general. 

After  supper  the  hostess  said  that  if  they  were  not  tired 
of  guessing  she  had  another  game  to  propose — a sort  of 


121 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

fortune-telling  game  which  would  give  each  man  present 
the  name  that  his  future  wife  should  bear.  It  was  for  him 
to  discover  it.  The  first  name  was  told  to  make  the  sub- 
ject clear — which  was  that  a chemist’s  wife  should  be 
named  “Ann  Eliza.”  Then  they  were  told  to  guess  the 
name  of  a civil  engineer’s  wife  (Bridget) ; a gambler’s 
(Betty) ; a humorist’s  (Sally) ; a clergyman’s  (Marie) ; 
a shoemaker’s  (Peggy) ; a sexton’s  (Belle) ; a porter’s 
(Carrie)  ; a dancing-master’s  (Grace) ; a milliner’s  (Hattie); 
a gardener’s  (Flora) ; a judge’s  (Justine) ; a pugilist’s 
(Mamie)  ; a pianist’s  (Octavia) ; a life-saver’s  (Caroline)  ; 
an  upholsterer’s  (Sophy);  an  astronomer’s  (Stella)  ; a doc- 
tor’s (Patience) ; a fisherman’s  (Netty)  ; a gasman’s  (Meta); 
a marksman’s  (Amy).  Each  man  could  judge,  from  his 
occupation,  the  name  of  his  future  wife. 


MUSICAL  TERMS  ILLUSTRATED 

Have  some  one  play  these  songs  : 

‘ ‘ Star  Spangled  Banner,  ” “ Marching  through  Georgia,  ’ * 
“Columbia,  the  Gem  of  the  Ocean,”  “Battle  Hymn  of 
the  Republic,”  “Tramp,  Tramp,  Tramp,”  “ Hail  Colum- 
bia,” “Home,  Sweet  Home,”  “ Yankee  Doodle,”  “When 
Johnnie  Comes  Marching  Home  Again,”  “ Auld  Lang 
Syne,”  “America.”  No  titles  are  announced,  but  the 
guests  are  asked  to  guess  the  names  and  write  them  in 
order  upon  slips  of  paper. 

Following  each  piece  of  music  some  musical  term  is  illus- 
trated. These  terms,  with  the  means  employed  to  illustrate 
them,  are  as  follows:  “time,”  some  one  hold  up  a small 
clock ; “measure,”  a yardstick;  “key,”  a door-key; 
“flats,”  two  flatirons;  “lines,”  a pair  of  nursery  lines ; 
“sharps,”  a carving  set;  “tie,”  a gentleman’s  tie; 
“bars,”  small  clothes-bars ; “staff,”  a cane;  “a  whole 
note,”  a dollar;  “a  half  note,”  a half  dollar;  “a  quar- 
ter note,”  a silver  quarter. 


122  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

MUSICIANS  BURIED 

1.  There  were  verd  isles  and  tender  blue  of  summer 
skies. 

2.  Maud  Muller  raked  the  hay,  deny  it  not,  0 Judge. 

3.  The  bell  in  ivy  tower  rings  knell  of  passing  day. 

4.  I arrive,  King,  most  gracious  sovereign. 

5.  She  still  wears  her  old  smile — the  sweet,  modest 
maiden. 

6.  The  mother  of  Charlie  Ross  in  idle  dreams  still 
clasps  him. 

7.  We  berate  our  neighbors  soundly,  but  excuse  our- 
selves. 

8.  How  famous  the  cherub  in  ideal  art. 

9.  There  will  be  no  confab  to-night. 

10.  If  he  asks  your  hand,  Eliza,  do  not  say  nay. 

11.  Be  brief;  lo,  toward  life’s  setting  sun,  man  has- 
tens. 

12.  You’ve  dropped  a beet — ho,  vender,  heigh. 

13.  The  dog  spies  a cat,  and  it  makes  his  tail  wag 
nervously. 

14.  A beau,  berrying,  needs  a basket  and  a sweetheart. 

15.  My  chop  I never  eat  with  peas. 

16.  You  have  found  an  egg,  lucky  boy. 

17.  Liz  still  improves  from  day  to  day. 

18.  Whoever  else  leaves,  the  Co.  stays  in  most  firms. 

19.  Cattle  enjoy  herbal  feeding  grounds. 

20.  I do  not  care  a sou,  Sarah,  whether  you  will,  or 
not. 


Key  to  Musicians  Buried 


I. 

Verdi. 

7- 

Weber. 

2. 

Hayden. 

8. 

Cherubini. 

3- 

Bellini. 

9- 

Abt. 

4* 

Rive  King. 

10. 

Handel. 

5- 

Herold. 

11. 

Flotow. 

6. 

Rossini. 

12. 

Beethoven, 

123 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 


13.  Wagner. 

i7- 

Lizst. 

14.  Auber. 

18. 

Costa. 

15.  Chopin. 

19. 

Balfe. 

16.  Gluck. 

20. 

Sousa. 

Note : — The  letters  composing  the  names  of  the  sought- 
for  musicians  come  successively  together  but  the  name 
may  begin  and  end  in  different  words. 


MYSTICAL  DINNER 

MENU 

Menu 

Key 

Soups 

1. 

Capital  of  Portugal 

1. 

Pea 

2. 

An  imitation  reptile 

2. 

Mock  Turtle 

Fish 

3- 

The  largest  part  of  Sambo’s  feet 

3- 

Sole 

4- 

An  express  label 

4- 

Cod 

Game 

5* 

A universal  crown 

5- 

Flare 

6. 

Portion  of  a mountain  range 

6. 

Partridge 

7* 

A tailor’s  tool 

7- 

Goose 

8. 

To  shrink  from  danger 

8. 

Quail 

Roast  Meat 

9- 

A genial  English  author 

9- 

Lamb 

10. 

A country  of  the  Crescent 

10. 

Turkey 

Boiled  Meat 

11. 

One  of  Noah’s  sons 

11. 

Ham 

12. 

Woman’s  best  weapon 

12. 

Tongue 

Vegetables 

*3- 

To  steal  mildly 

x3- 

Cabbage 

"4- 

Complete  upsets 

14. 

Turnips 

I5* 

What  successful  candidates  do 

x5- 

Beet 

16. 

Two  kinds  of  toes  not  found  on  ) 

16. 

Potatoes  and  Tomatoes 

man  or  beast  j 

Relishes 

x7* 

Pertaining  to  regions  underground  17. 

Celery 

18. 

Comical  performances 

18. 

Capers 

19. 

Elevated  felines 

l9- 

Catsup 

124  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 


Puddings 


20. 

What  we  say  to  impertinent  agents  20. 

Say  go 

21. 

Exactly  perpendicular 

21. 

Plumb 

22. 

The  mantle  of  winter 

22. 

Snow 

23* 

What  the  lawyer  says  to  his  clients 
Pies 

23* 

Suet 

24. 

To  walk  in  an  affected  manner 

24. 

Mince 

25* 

A relative  of  the  dairyman 

Fruit 

25- 

Pumpkin 

26. 

The  historian’s  delight 

26. 

Dates 

27- 

Water  in  motion 

27- 

Currants 

28. 

Small  shot  (plural) 

28. 

Grapes 

MYSTICAL  PARTY 

The  Y.  IV.  C.  T.  U. 

Has  cordially  invited  yon 
To  the  Mystery  Reception , 

Strange  and  weird  beyond  conception . 

At  seven- thirty  o'clock  night  fall 
We  will  welcome  one  and  all ; 

With  solemn  rites  and  grew  some  sights , 

We'll  meet  you  all  on  Monday  night . 

Street  and  number . 

All  those  who  take  part  in  this  should  arrive  early  and 
have  everything  in  shape  when  the  guests  appear.  First, 
each  one  should  wrap  a white  sheet  over  her  and  wear  a 
small  white  mask.  Have  all  the  lights  turned  low  or  have 
candles,  and  on  the  gas  jets  or  candles  have  red  paper 
shades  to  cast  a red,  gloomy  light  over  everything.  Have 
each  one  who  takes  part  stand  like  a statue,  and  dispose 
these  statues  about  the  house  in  corners  and  in  dark  places. 
As  the  guests  arrive  have  one  of  the  white  clothed  figures 
meet  them  at  the  door,  and  without  a word,  motion  them 
to  take  off  their  wraps,  and  then  to  enter  the  next  room. 
If  possible  get  some  bones  from  a medical  college  and  have 
skulls  and  cross  bones  all  about  the  room.  In  one  dark 
room  should  be  skulls  and  pumpkins  with  faces  cut  in 


125 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

them  and  candles  inside.  Do  not  have  any  other  light  in 
this  room.  When  the  guests  go  into  this  room  have  some 
small  pieces  of  ice  wrapped  in  muslin  presented  to  them  to 
be  felt  of  in  the  dark.  All  this  time  the  statues  should  be 
quiet  and  remain  so  until  all  the  company  has  arrived. 
Then  seat  all  the  statues  at  a large  table  with  a small  can- 
dle or  a dish  of  burning  alcohol  in  the  centre  and  have 
each  one  tell  a weird  story.  Have  a witch  in  a dark  room 
with  a dish  of  burning  alcohol  and  have  the  guests,  one  at 
a time,  go  in  to  have  their  fortunes  told.  Tricks  of  differ- 
ent kinds  can  be  played  upon  the  guests. 

The  program  for  the  mysterious  company  consists  of  a 
number  of  contests  in  which  eyesight  gives  place  to  the 
sense  of  touch. 

First  of  all  the  hostess  produces  a book  printed  in  the 
raised  lettering  for  the  blind  and  suggests  that  each  guest 
read  ten  lines  from  it.  This  is  no  easy  matter.  To  the 
contestant  reading  the  ten  lines  correctly  in  the  shortest 
time  a prize  is  awarded. 

For  the  second  trial  of  skill  the  guests  may  gather  around 
a circular  table.  Beneath  the  table  place  a covered  box 
or  basket  containing  the  most  variously  assorted  small 
articles  that  it  is  possible  to  secure  upon  the  spur  of  the 
moment,  the  more  unexpected  the  better.  No  player  must 
see  the  articles  placed  in  the  basket.  When  all  is  in  readi- 
ness the  objects  are  taken  from  the  basket  and  passed 
rapidly  from  hand  to  hand  below  the  table,  ending  in  the 
hands  of  the  hostess,  and  by  her  are  placed  in  an  empty 
bag  provided  for  the  purpose. 

Distribute  pencils  and  ask  the  guests  to  write  down  as 
many  of  the  objects  passed  under  the  table  as  they  can 
remember.  A prize  should  be  provided  for  the  person 
who  hands  in  the  fullest  list  of  the  objects. 

Next  blindfold  each  guest  in  turn  and  place  in  his  hands, 
one  at  a time,  various  objects,  the  names  of  which  are  to  be 
guessed  aloud.  If  curious  and  unfamiliar  objects  are 
selected,  this  will  prove  very  amusing. 


126  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

NEW  YEAR’S  EVE  PARTY 

This  is  a favorite  occasion  for  a party  among  young 
people.  It  should  be  a small  party,  not  over  twenty-four 
guests,  and  it  will  be  the  more  enjoyable  if  informal  and 
among  th.ose  who  are  well  acquainted  with  each  other. 

There  are  as  varied  entertainments  for  such  parties  as  for 
those  at  other  seasons.  A pretty  idea  is  to  confine  the  list 
to  twelve  young  gentlemen  and  twelve  young  ladies.  The 
hostess  requests  each  couple  to  dress  so  as  to  represent  a 
particular  month,  which  she  assigns  them. 

Duck  trousers,  cotton  neckties,  and  white  vests  are  as 
distinctive  of  summer  for  the  young  men,  as  shirt-waists, 
duck  skirts,  and  lawn  are  for  young  women,  but  it  will 
take  some  ingenuity  to  devise  an  effect  that  will  mark  a 
particular  month. 

The  guests  should  not  assemble  until  nine  o'clock. 
There  should  be  a large  clock  conspicuously  placed  in  the 
room,  and  if  possible  an  open  fireplace,  with  a bright  fire 
on  the  hearth. 

The  first  part  of  the  time  should  be  taken  up  in  guessing 
the  months,  the  company  gathering  before  the  open  fire 
in  a circle.  As  fast  as  one  month  is  decided  upon,  the 
one  who  impersonates  it  rises,  makes  his  or  her  bow  to  the 
company,  and  recites  at  least  four  original  lines  pertaining 
to  that  month.  The  more  ridiculous  or  witty  they  are,  the 
better  they  will  be  appreciated. 

After  this  comes  the  supper,  which  may  be  as  elaborate 
or  as  simple  as  desired,  and  then  a promiscuous  mixing 
of  the  months  will  cause  some  merriment. 

Just  as  the  clock  is  striking  twelve,  there  is  a knock  at 
the  door.  Upon  opening  it,  there  is  revealed  a young  man 
dressed  as  a baby,  in  a long  white  dress  tied  about  with  a 
sash  on  which  is  printed  January  i,  19 — . If  properly 
planned,  the  appearance  of  this  New  Year  baby  will  cause 
shouts  of  merriment. 

Hand  shakings  and  New  Year’s  greetings  follow,  and 
the  party  is  over. 


127 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

NEW  YEAR’S  RESOLUTIONS 

This  game  is  played  by  providing  each  guest  a paper 
and  pencil,  and  having  ten  letters  of  the  alphabet  read  to 
the  company.  These  are  to  be  copied,  the  guests  are  told 
to  write  a New  Year’s  resolution  of  ten  words,  each 
beginning  with  one  of  the  letters  used,  in  the  order  in 
which  they  are  given  out.  These  importuned  resolutions, 
when  read,  will  afford  much  amusement. 


NEW  YEAR’S  SOCIABLE 

As  the  guests  come  in,  each  one  is  requested  to  sign  his 
name  in  a note-book,  and  to  write  underneath  it  a New 
Year’s  resolution.  An  entire  page  should  be  allowed  for 
each  one,  so  that  no  one  may  know  what  his  neighbor  has 
written.  Each  guest  should  be  given  a card  inscribed 
with  an  appropriate  quotation,  such  as  “ Time  and  tide 
wait  for  no  man.”  These  cards  are  numbered. 
These  are  passed  around  among  the  company,  with  the 
explanation  that  each  guest  is  to  amuse  the  company  for 
the  length  of  time  it  takes  for  the  sand  to  run  in  a minute 
glass  from  one  end  to  the  other  (have  a minute  glass  in 
room),  using  for  the  purpose  of  entertainment  some  thought 
suggested  by  the  quotation  on  his  card.  One  can  recite  a 
poem,  another  tell  a story,  another  sing  a song,  and  so  on 
until  every  one  has  done  his  share  for  the  amusement  of 
the  others,  following  in  order  according  to  the  numbers  on 
the  cards.  After  each  one  has  done  his  part  the  hostess 
announces  that  she  will  now  do  hers  and  proceeds  to  read 
each  resolution  that  has  been  written  in  the  book.  The 
names  of  the  writers  being  given,  it  will  cause  much 
merriment.  Nut  shells  set  sailing  two  by  two  in  a basin  of 
water  may  be  named,  one  for  a man,  the  other  for  a girl. 
If  they  keep  together,  it  is  an  indication  that  the  pair  will 
be  married  before  the  year  dies,  but  if  they  separate,  the 
fate  of  the  twain  is  sealed  for  one  year. 


128  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

NINETEENTH  CENTURY  GAME 

In  this  game  of  guess  the  contestants  are  told  that  each 
question  can  be  replied  to  with  the  name  of  a celebrity 
who  has  lived  in,  or  whose  life  has  extended  into,  the 
nineteenth  century.  Each  guest  is  given  a little  tablet 
with  his  name  written  on  every  one  of  the  pages.  Two 
minutes  are  allowed  to  each  question.  The  questioner  sits 
with  a big  bowl  before  her,  into  which,  when  she  calls 
time,  each  player  drops  a slip  upon  which  he  has  written 
his  answer.  This  is  the  list  that  the  questioner  reads, 
omitting,  of  course,  the  answers  : 

Why  did  England  so  often  lose  her  way  in  South 
Africa  ? (Mr.  Rhodes) 

What  did  the  Emperor  of  China  do  when  the  Empress 
usurped  the  throne  ? (Custer) 

What  did  Isaac  watch  while  his  father  was  forging  a 
chain?  (Abraham  Lincoln) 

What  is  Li  Hung  Chang  credited  with  being  ? (Schley) 
The  lane  that  has  no  turning  is  a what  ? (Longstreet) 
What  does  a Chinese  lover  say  when  he  proposes? 
(Dewey) 

What  does  Aguinaldo  keep  between  himself  and  the 
Americans  ? (Miles) 

What  happens  when  the  wind  blows  in  spiders’  houses  ? 
(Webster) 

What  did  Buller  unfortunately  do  ? (Bragg) 

What  do  the  waves  do  to  a vessel  wrecked  near  shore  ? 
(Beecher) 

What  does  a ship  do  to  a seasick  man  ? (Rockefeller) 
What  did  Uncle  Sam  do  when  he  wanted  to  know 
whether  England  would  let  him  mediate  ? (Astor) 

What  is  the  chair-boy  likely  to  do  to  the  old  lady  he 
has  to  push  on  a hot  day  ? (Wheeler) 

What  is  a novel  military  name  for  a cook  ? (Kitchener) 
What  do  you  do  when  you  drive  a slow  horse  ? (Polk) 
When  do  you  get  up  to  see  a sunrise  ? (Early) 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  129 

When  Max  O’Rell  gets  on  a platform  what  does  he  do? 
(Speaker  Reed) 

What  does  a waiter  do  after  he  has  filled  half  of  the 
glasses  at  a table  ? (Fillmore) 

In  the  settlement  of  disputes,  do  the  European  nations 
quarrel  ? (General  Lee) 

The  towns  taken  by  the  British  generally  lacked  the 
what  ? (Garrison) 

What  did  the  Jews  say  when  the  mother  of  Samuel 
passed?  (Mark  Hanna) 

In  Cairo  purchases  are  made  at  a what  ? (Booth) 


NOSE  AND  GOGGLE  PARTY 

To  fun-loving  people  who  enjoy  the  grotesque,  great 
sport  will  be  found  in  giving  a Nose  and  Goggle  Party. 
Here  two  objects  will  be  gained  : merriment  and  disguise. 

As  the  guests  arrive,  disguised  as  explained  below,  each 
is  given  a card,  perforated,  with  ribbon  run  through, 
in  order  to  wear  the  card  around  the  neck,  so  that  every- 
body can  see  it. 

The  cards  must  have,  on  one  side,  a number  by  which 
each  guest  is  known  ; on  the  other  side,  a list  of  figures,  i, 
2,  3,  etc.  (as  many  figures  as  there  are  guests),  leaving 
space  opposite  each  figure  for  a name.  In  social  conversa- 
tion each  guest  is  to  guess  who  his  or  her  entertainer  is. 
With  intimate  friends,  this  may  be  done  readily  by 
familiarity  with  the  voice ; but  in  most  cases  the  identifi- 
cation will  not  be  easy. 

Each  guest  wears  a false  nose  and  goggles.  The  nose 
may  be  purchased,  or  made  by  clever  fingers,  of  heavy 
cardboard  covered  with  chamois. 

The  noses  and  goggles  must  not  be  removed  till  after  re- 
freshments, which  may  be  simple  or  elaborate  as  the  host- 
ess may  wish.  As  you  make  your  guess,  place  the  name 
opposite  the  number  on  your  card  corresponding  to  the 
number  of  the  person  with  whom  you  are  talking ; for  in- 


130  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

stance,  if  you  think  you  know  No.  4,  turn  your  card  and 
write  the  name  opposite  No.  4,  etc. 


NOTED  PEOPLE 

Cut  out  pictures  of  noted  men  and  women  from  news- 
papers and  magazines,  paste  on  white  paper,  and  number 
each  one.  Provide  each  guest  with  paper  and  pencil,  hav- 
ing the  paper  contain  a list  of  numbers  corresponding  to 
those  on  the  pictures.  The  guests  are  then  requested  to 
write  opposite  the  correct  number  the  name  of  the  person 
whom  each  picture  represents.  A good  idea  is  to  have 
pictures  pinned  upon  the  wall,  curtains,  and  in  every  con- 
venient place  about  the  rooms,  as  the  guests  will  then  be 
obliged  to  move  about,  and  there  will  be  no  danger  of 
wallflowers.  After  each  one  has  been  given  plenty  of  time 
for  guessing,  the  correct  list  can  be  read  aloud  by  one  per- 
son, each  guest  passing  his  paper  to  his  neighbor  for  cor- 
rection. A prize  may  be  given  to  the  one  who  has  the 
most  correct  answers.  In  connection  with  this,  the  game 
of  noted  people  can  be  played.  Have  small  slips  of  paper 
with  the  names  of  noted  people  written  upon  them,  and  pin 
one  of  these  on  back  of  each  guest ; he  is  to  guess  whom 
he  represents  by  means  of  questions  put  to  him  by  other 
guests.  This  is  great  fun,  and  causes  much  merriment 
among  the  young  people.  As  soon  as  a player  guesses 
whom  he  represents  a new  slip  can  be  put  on  his  back.  A 
prize  may  be  given  the  one  who  guesses  the  most  names. 


NUT  CONUNDRUMS 

Before  the  guests  arrive  hide  nuts  all  over  the  rooms  in 
every  nook  and  corner.  At  a given  signal  have  the  guests 
search  for  them  and  the  one  finding  the  most  can  be  given 
a small  prize. 

Take  English  walnuts,  split  and  take  out  the  kernel ; 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  131 

write  quotations  on  small  slips  of  paper,  cut  in  half,  put 
one-half  paper  in  one  nut  shell,  the  other  half  in  another 
shell,  gluing  each  shell  together.  During  the  evening  give 
one  set  of  half  quotations  to  the  girls,  the  other  set  to  the 
boys  and  then  have  them  hunt  for  their  partners ; when  found, 
each  pair  have  refreshments  together.  Have  the  following 
nut  conundrums  guessed,  after  which  serve  all  kinds  of 
mixed  nuts. 


Conundrums 

1.  What  nut  grows  nearest  the  sea?  (Beachnut) 

3.  What  nut  grows  the  lowest?  (Groundnut) 

3.  What  nut  is  the  color  of  a pretty  girl’s  eyes  ? 
(Hazelnut) 

4.  What  nut  is  good  for  naughty  boys  ? (Hickory) 

5.  What  nut  is  like  an  oft  told  tale  ? (Chestnut) 

6.  What  nut  grows  on  the  Amazon  ? (Brazil  nut) 

7.  What  nut  is  like  a naughty  boy  when  sister  has  a 
beau  ? (Pecan) 

8.  What  nut  is  like  a Chinaman’s  eyes  ? (Almond) 

9.  What  is  the  favorite  nut  in  Ohio  ? (Buckeye) 

10.  What  nut  is  like  a good  Jersey  cow  ? (Butternut) 

11.  What  is  the  mason’s  favorite  nut?  (Walnut) 

12.  What  nut  cannot  the  farmer  go  to  town  without  ? 
(Wagon  nut) 


NUT  PARTY 

Invitations  may  be  slipped  inside  peanut  or  English  wal- 
nut shells,  glued  together,  and  sent  in  a small  box.  The 
shops  are  showing  big  English  walnuts,  Parisian  almonds 
and  Spanish  peanuts,  filled  with  confections  in  imitation  of 
the  genuine  nut  meats,  which  make  attractive  prizes  or 
favors.  A novelty  in  silver  represents  an  English  walnut 
(exact  size),  “All  in  a nutshell,”  which  contains  powder, 
puff,  mirror,  miniature  scent  bottle,  and  pincushion ; a 


132  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

silver  peanut  contains  a “magic”  pencil  or  small  vinai- 
grette; thimble  cases,  bangles,  tape  measures,  etc.,  come 
in  nut  designs ; a small  lace-trimmed  handkerchief  may  be 
folded  and  slipped  inside  an  English  walnut  shell.  The 
diminutiveness  of  the  prizes  is  emphasized  if  they  are 
wrapped  in  a series  of  boxes,  each  one  larger  than  the  next. 
For  finding  partners,  English  walnuts  painted  and  dressed 
in  crimped  tissue  paper  to  represent  different  nationalities 
may  be  used,  a lady  and  gentleman  being  given  the  same 
nationality.  The  menu  served  may  be  made  up  of  nuts  : 
chicken  and  nut  salad,  peanut  sandwiches,  salted  nuts,  nut 
candies,  bisque  of  almonds,  pecan  cake,  walnut  wafers, 
coffee. 


OBSERVATION  PARTY 

Place  these  objects  tastefully  on  the  dining-room  table, 
each  guest  on  entering  the  room  being  furnished  with  a 
catalogue  of  the  subjects,  supposed  to  be  different  paint- 
ings, made  out  so  that  blank  spaces  will  be  left  to  the  right 
for  the  answers.  From  fifteen  to  twenty  minutes  are 
allowed  to  guess  and  write  down  the  answers  as  fast  as  they 
are  discovered.  Comparing  notes  is  hardly  fair.  At  the 
end  of  the  stated  time  the  guests  leave  the  room.  Some 
one  then  calls  out  the  correct  answers,  and  the  persons 
whose  lists  are  the  nearest  correct,  receive  the  first,  second, 
third,  and  fourth  prizes,  the  number  of  prizes  varying  ac- 
cording to  the  number  of  guests  present.  A booby  prize 
for  the  one  who  was  the  least  successful  adds  to  the  fun. 

Below  is  given  the  list  of  forty  subjects,  and  also  the 
answers.  From  the  latter  you  will  know  what  objects  to 
collect  and  place  upon  the  table.  It  is  better  not  to  arrange 
them  in  exact  order. 

Subjects 

*^Out  for  the  Night 
✓^Departed  Days 


Answers 

Candle  in  Candlestick 
Last  Year's  Calendar 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  133 


Scene  in  Bermuda 
We  Part  to  Meet  Again 
The  Reigning  Favorite 
Home  of  Burns 

1^'The  Greatest  Bet  Ever  Made 
A Line  from  Home 

The  House  the  Colonel  Lived  in 

Cause  of  the  American  Revolution 
A Heavenly  Body 
l The  Little  Peacemaker 
Spring  Offering 
^xBound  to  Rise 
^ Family  Jars 

Things  that  End  in  Smoke 
Place  for  Reflection 
Deer  in  Winter 
Beene  in  a Base  Ball  Game 

A Drive  Through  the  Wood 

A Mute  Choir 
A Trophy  of  the  Chase 
^-A  Rejected  Beau 
A Skylight 
Our  Colored  Waiter 


Sweet  Sixteen 

Consolation 

Common  Sense 

The  Black  Friar 

Cole’s  Memorials  of  the  Great 


Onions 
Scissors 
Umbrella 
Flatiron 
Alphabet 
Clothes  Line 
Corn  Cob  without  the 
Corn 

Tacks  on  a Letter  T 
Dipper 
Chopping-knife 
Glass  of  Water 
Yeast  Cake 
Two  Glass  Jars 
Cigars 
Hand  Mirror 
Eggs 
Pitcher 

Block  of  Wood  with 
Nail  Driven  Through 
Quire  of  Paper 
Brush 
Old  Ribbon  Bow 
A Star 
Black  Tray 


Sixteen  Lumps  of  Sugar 
Pipe 
Pennies 
Black  Frying  Pan 
Cinders 


The  Four  Seasons 
A Morning  Caller 
Assorted  Liquors 
The  Skipper’s  Home 
l^-An  Absorbing  Subject 
t^A  Dancing  Entertainment 
Bound  to  Shine 


Mustard,  Vinegar,  Salt  and  Pepper 

A Bell 

Whip,  Switch  and  Slipper 
Cheese 
Blotting  Pad 
A Ball 

Bottle  of  Shoe  Blacking 


134  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 


The  Spoony  Couple 
Old  Fashioned  Flowers 
Nothing  But  Leaves 


Two  Spoons 
Lady’s  Slippers 
Block  of  Blank  Writing  Paper 


OLD-FASHIONED  DINNER 

1.  A country  in  Asia , Turkey 

2.  A color  and  a letter Gravy 

3.  Cape  Cod  fruit  and  impudence Cranberry  Sauce 

4.  A river  in  Italy,  an  Irish  woman’s  beverage, 

and  “ the  five  little  pigs  that  went  to 
market  ” Potatoes 

5.  A parent  and  cuttings Parsnips 

6.  Reverse  and  small  bites Turnips 

7.  Time  measures Beets 

8.  An  Indian’s  wife  and  an  interjection  of 

silence Squash 

9.  Well  or  badly  brought  up Bread 

10.  A goat Butter 

11.  A letter c,...Tea 

12.  A crowd  of  people  in  a small  place Jam 

13.  Mixed-up  type Pie 

14.  Two  of  a kind Pears 

15.  A receptacle  for  fluids  and  a letter Candy 

16.  A crow’s  call  and  a doctor’s  payment Coffee 

17.  Ancient  tales Chestnuts 

18.  What  I do  to  be  heard Ice  cream 


OLD-TIME  COUNTRY  SCHOOL 

(Can  be  used  as  a play.) 

“ The  Red  Schoolhouse  will  open  for  the  fall  term  on 
September  fifteenth.  As  a goodly  number  of  pupils  is  de- 
sired, all  receiving  this  are  urged  to  search  the  highways 
and  byways  for  others  who  may  wish  to  attend . School 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  135 

will  begin  promptly  at  eight.  As  there  will  be  a recess , all 
pupils  should  bring  their  dinners. 

“ SOLOMON  WISEACRES,  Pedagogue." 


The  coming  of  school-days,  usually  so  much  dreaded  by 
young  folks,  was  hailed  with  much  delight  by  recipients  of 
the  above  notice.  On  the  appointed  evening  not  only 
were  there  present  the  members  of  the  society,  but  each 
one,  heeding  the  injunction  regarding  the  highways  and 
byways,  brought  with  him  a friend.  As  the  teacher  had 
also  found  an  extra  pupil,  there  were  just  twenty-four  in 
the  party.  The  boys  wore  knee-trousers  and  the  girls  short 
skirts  and  pinafores,  with  their  hair  hanging  down  their 
backs  in  long  braids  or  curls.  All  brought  with  them  their 
dinners,  packed  in  tin  pails,  in  imitation  of  their  country 
cousins. 

The  schoolhouse  was  a large  new  barn,  the  schoolroom 
being  up-stairs  in  the  hay-loft.  Here  were  arranged  two 
rows  of  benches,  one  for  the  girls  and  one  for  the  boys ; 
blackboards  hung  on  the  walls,  and  there  was  a plain 
wooden  table  in  front  for  the  teacher’s  desk.  Standing  be- 
hind this,  the  schoolmaster,  birch  rod  in  hand,  and  look- 
ing very  wise  in  a pair  of  huge  spectacles,  received  his 
pupils  and  registered  their  names  in  a large  book  before 
him.  Among  those  enrolled  were  Alvira  Sophronia  Sim- 
mons, Malvina  Jane  Leggett,  Serena  Ann  Wilkins,  Patience 
Charity  Gray,  Nathan  Bartholomew  Brown,  Ichabod 
Thompson  and  Abijah  Larkins. 

Each  pupil  before  being  assigned  a seat  was  interrogated 
by  the  teacher  somewhat  as  follows : In  what  state  and 
country  were  you  born  ? Do  you  know  your  letters  ? 
How  far  can  you  count?  Who  was  the  first  man?  Who 
built  the  ark?  And  so  on  until  the  teacher  had  acquainted 
himself  with  the  limits  of  his  pupils’  ignorance. 

When  all  were  seated  Teacher  Wiseacres  announced  that 
school  would  open  with  singing.  The  pupils  were  there- 
upon thoroughly  drilled  in  the  scales  and  other  exercises, 


136  Bright  Ide^.  for  Entertaining 

the  master  severely  reprimanding  any  who  sang  out  of 
tune.  The  lesson  concluded  with  songs  usually  sung  at 
the  club  gatherings,  after  which  a knot  of  blue  ribbon^was 
^.given  the  one  who  had  sung  best,  and  a red  bow  to  the 
pupil  considered  second  best^. 

During  the  course  of  this  lesson,  and  also  of  those  that 
followed,  there  were  frequent  interruptions  caused  by  the 
refractory  behavior  of  some  of  the  pupils.  Serena  Ann 
Wilkins  was  caught  eating  an  apple,  and  was  made  to 
stand  up  in  front  with  a book  on  her  head.  Malvina  Jane 
Leggett  had  to  stand  in  the  corner  facing  the  wall  for  gig- 
gling; while,  direst  disgrace  of  all,  Abijah  Larkins  was 
obliged  to  sit  on  the  girls’  side  for  drawing  a caricature  of 
the  master  on  the  blackboard. 

After  the  singing-lesson  small  wooden  slates  (the  old- 
fashioned  kind  bound  in  red  cloth)  were  passed  around 
and  the  following  exercise  in  orthography  given  out  :C  “ It 
is  an  agreeable  sight  to  witness  the  unparalleled  embarrass- 
ment of  a harassed  peddler  attempting  to  gauge  the  sym- 
metry of  a peeled  onion  which  a sibyl  has  stabbed  with  a 
poniard.”  *This  task  was  accomplished  with  much  puck- 
ering of  eyebrows,  and  no  one,  it  may  be  said,  succeeded 
in  writing  all  the  words  correctly. 

The  next  lesson  announced  was  reading,  for  which 
primers  were  distributed.  These  were  small  books  with 
brown-paper  covers,  the  lessons  being  tongue-twisters, 
beginning  with  such  familiar  ones  as  “ She  sells  sea-shells,” 
“ Peter  Piper,”  etc.,  and  ending  with  this  one  of  more 
recent  date,  taken  from  the  Youth' s Companion : 

A bitter  biting  bittern 
Bit  a better  brother-bittern  ; 

And  the  bitten  better  bittern  bit  the  bitter  biter  back. 
And  the  bitter  bittern,  bitten 
By  the  better  bitten  bittern, 

Said,  “ I’m  a bitter  bittern-biter  bit,  alack ! ” 

The  class  stood  up  in  front  and  were  made  to  toe  the 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  137 

line  drawn  in  chalk  on  the  floor.  The  pupil  at  the  head 
was  called  upon  first,  and  read  until  a mistake  sent  him  to 
the  foot,  when  the  one  next  to  him  took  his  place.  The 
master  not  only  continually  urged  his  pupils  to  greater 
speed,  but  at  the  same  time  kept  a sharp  lookout,  and  gave 
many  words  of  warning  to  any  whose  feet  were  out  of 
order;  and  the  frantic  efforts  of  the  pupils  to  obey  in- 
structions made  the  lesson  one  of  the  most  laughable  con- 
tests of  the  evening.  It  was  continued  until  recess,  the 
hour  for  refreshments. 

The  dinner-pails  had  been  given  for  safekeeping  into  the 
hands  of  the  teacher.  Now,  when  they  were  returned,  it 
was  discovered  that  the  boys  had  received  those  belonging 
to  the  girls  and  the  girls  those  of  the  boys.  There  was  a 
happy  correspondence  in  this  exchange ; Ichabod  Thomp- 
son receiving  the  pail  of  Patience  Charity  Gray  and  she 
receiving  his,  and  so  on.  The  pupils  thus  paired  off  were 
to  share  their  dinners  with  each  other.  The  master,  who 
also  brought  his  dinner,  reserved  for  himself  the  pail  of 
the  girl  pupil  supposed  to  be  his  favorite. 

There  was  great  fun  and  laughter  over  the  opening  of 
the  pails,  for  the  aim  had  been  not  so  much  to  bring  a 
dainty  luncheon  as  one  that  should  be  typical  of  the  old- 
time  district  school.  The  following  may  be  taken  as  a 
sample  of  the  contents  of  one  of  the  buckets  : Bread  and 
butter,  doughnuts,  apple  turnover,  spice- cake,  cheese  and 
one  very  large  cucumber  pickle.  Apples  were  contributed 
by  the  teacher.  Dinner  over,  the  remainder  of  recess  was 
spent  in  playing  games.  Skipping  the  rope  was  one  of  the 
pastimes,  and  hop-scotch,  tag,  and  hide-and-go-seek  were 
others'. 

School  was  resumed  with  a geography  lesson,  really  a 
game  played  as  follows : The  teacher  requested  one  of 
the  pupils  to  give  a geographical  name,  that  of  a country, 
city,  river,  etc.  Others  were  then  called  upon  at  random 
to  give  names,  each  of  which  had  to  begin  with  the  last 
letter  of  the  one  preceding  it.  Thus,  if  the  first  name 


138  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

given  were  Egypt,  the  next  one  must  begin  with  the  letter 
T,  as  Texas,  while  the  one  following  this  would  begin  with 
S,  as  St.  Louis.  Any  one  who  failed  to  respond  in  the 
time  allowed — half  a minute — was  dropped  out  of  the 
class  and  the  question  passed  on.  The  lesson  was  con- 
tinued until  there  was  but  one  left,  who  received  the  usual 
decoration. 

The  session  closed  with  an  old-fashioned  spell-down,  but 
before  the  class  was  dismissed  the  wearers  of  the  ribbons 
were  presented  with  prizes,  these  being  small,  daintily 
bound  books.  The  others,  that  all  might  have  a suitable 
reminder  of  the  occasion,  received  book-shaped  boxes  of 
candy.  This  done,  the  bell  was  rung  and  school  was 
closed. 

This  school  party  can  be  played  in  hall  or  church. 


OLD-TIME  SPELLING  BEE 

The  fact  that  a spelling  bee  is  to  form  a part  of  the 
evening's  entertainment  need  not  be  indicated  upon  the 
invitation,  it  being  a part  of  the  fun  to  catch  people  un- 
awares. 

After  the  arrival  of  the  guests  the  choice  of  a “ teacher  M 
and  two  leaders  is  effected  by  ballot.  The  two  leaders 
then  stand  out  at  the  end  of  the  room  opposite  each  other, 
and  each  chooses  alternately  one  of  the  company  at  a 
time,  to  represent  his  side,  until  all  have  been  chosen  and 
stand  in  their  places  in  two  lines. 

The  teacher,  who  is  supplied  with  a book,  then  gives  out 
a word  to  the  person  at  the  end  of  the  line  to  her  right. 
If  the  word  is  correctly  spelled  the  next  word  is  given  out 
to  the  person  at  the  end  of  the  opposite  side  at  her  left. 
If  this  person  fails  to  spell  this  word  correctly  she  must 
immediately  leave  the  line,  and  the  same  word  is  put  to 
number  two  on  the  opposite  side.  If  the  word  is  correctly 
spelled  she  is  privileged  to  choose  one  person  from  the 
opposite  line  to  step  over  to  the  foot  of  her  own  line. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  139 

Another  word  is  then  given  to  the  opposite  opponent,  and 
so  on  down  the  lines.  It  often  happens  that  two  equally 
proficient  spellers  are  pitted  against  each  other  for  some 
time,  when  the  contest  becomes  very  exciting. 

Limit  the  Time  of  the  Best  Speller 
It  is  a good  plan,  lest  the  contest  become  wearisome,  to 
limit  the  time  for  the  last  participant.  If  at  the  end  of  six 
minutes  the  winner  has  not  failed  on  any  word  given,  he 
or  she  becomes  director  of  the  revels  that  follow,  and  must 
be  implicitly  obeyed  for  the  rest  of  the  evening.  The  first 
duty  is  to  announce  a “recess,”  and  having  been  previ- 
ously instructed  he  or  she  leads  the  way  to  an  adjoining 
room,  where  upon  a table  is  a pile  of  boxes  of  various 
shapes  and  kinds,  neatly  tied,  which  are  distributed  among 
the  young  women.  After  which  it  is  announced  that  each 
box  contains  a small  school  luncheon,  and  that  a young 
man  accompanies  each.  She  then  proceeds  to  distribute 
the  young  men  as  she  has  the  boxes.  Each  young  woman 
then  shares  her  luncheon  with  her  partner.  Should  the 
box  contain  an  apple,  a sandwich  and  a cake  these  must 
be  halved. 

After  “recess”  follow  games,  or  music,  or  recitations, 
as  the  winner  of  the  contest  wills. 


ORANGE  PARTY 

To  emphasize  the  color  scheme,  the  young  hostess  wore 
a becoming  empire  gown  of  orange-colored  silk,  and  on 
her  left  shoulder  was  fastened  a large  rosette  of  orange- 
colored  chiffon.  Each  guest,  upon  arriving,  was  pre- 
sented with  a similar  rosette  to  wear  as  a compliment  to 
the  occasion. 

The  dining-room  was  decorated  with  potted  plants. 
Although  it  was  an  afternoon  party,  the  blinds  were  drawn 
and  the  room  lighted  artificially.  The  electric  lights  were 


140  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

muffled  in  orange-colored  cheese  cloth,  and  produced  a 
very  charming  effect. 

Over  the  centre  of  the  table  was  spread  a large  square 
of  orange  satin  overlaid  with  a Battenberg  lunch  cloth. 
On  this  stood  the  birthday  cake,  which  had  been  baked  in 
a fluted  mold,  then  covered  thickly  with  yellow  icing,  and 
was  a very  clever  imitation  of  the  luscious  fruit  it  was  in- 
tended to  represent.  The  cake  was  surrounded  by  twelve 
small  brass  candlesticks,  in  which  burned  orange-colored 
tapers.  At  each  end  of  the  table  was  a smaller  Batten- 
berg square  over  satin.  On  each  of  these,  resting  in  a 
bed  of  green  leaves,  was  an  orange  of  abnormal  size, 
fashioned  of  papier-mache,  made  in  two  sections,  though 
so  exactly  united  that  the  orange  seemed  intact.  In 
these  were  the  favors — small  yellow  bonbon  boxes  filled 
with  orange  conserves  and  tied  with  baby  ribbon.  Small 
glass  dishes,  standing  on  yellow  tissue  paper  doilies  that 
were  fringed  on  the  edges,  and  filled  with  orange  puffs, 
orange  kisses  and  other  home-made  sweets,  were  placed 
here  and  there  on  the  table,  and  gave  it  a very  festive  air. 

The  refreshments  proper  consisted  of : 

Frozen  Custard  in  Orange  Cups  > 

Orange  Jelly  Whipped  Cream 

Small  Cakes  Orange  Icing 
Orangeade 

The  birthday  cake  was  cut  by  the  hostess,  and  each 
maiden  served  to  a slice.  In  the  cake  had  been  baked  an 
orange  seed.  She  who  was  so  fortunate  as  to  find  this 
seed  in  her  slice  was  presented  with  an  orange  spoon  on 
which  was  graven  the  hostess’s  monogram,  the  date  and 
year. 

Before  leaving  the  table  each  guest  was  shown  a small 
glass  filled  with  orange  seeds,  and  was  allowed  one  guess 
as  to  the  number  it  contained.  The  lucky  guesser  received 
a papier-mache  jewel  box  fashioned  to  represent  an  orange. 
The  “ booby  ” prize  was  the  tiniest  orange  to  be  found  in 
the  market. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  141 

ORANGE  SOCIABLE 

In  planning  for  an  Orange  Sociable  use  plenty  of  orange 
colored  paper,  and  make  the  decorations  very  attractive. 
Make  orange  colored  shades  for  gas  or  lamp  globes,  use 
orange  colored  paper  napkins,  make  orange  butterflies,  and 
let  those  who  serve  on  committee  wear  orange  paper  caps 
and  orange  colored  ties.  If  possible  use  orange  crepe 
paper  for  doilies  and  mats.  Refreshments  should  consist 
of  oranges,  wafers  tied  with  orange  ribbon,  and  orange-ade. 

For  entertainment  the  old  nursery  rhymes  should  be 
used.  Have  slips  of  paper  containing  one  line  each  of  a 
rhyme  such  as  “ There  was  an  old  woman  who  lived  in  a 
shoe.”  Pass  these  slips  to  the  guests  and  have  each  hunt 
up  the  ones  whose  rhymes  match  that  he  holds.  There  will 
be  four  for  each  group,  and  they  will  then  proceed  to  draw 
a picture  of  what  their  rhyme  represents.  A prize  may  be 
given  the  group  drawing  the  best  picture,  consisting  of 
four  very  small  colored  babies  lying  on  a bed  of  cotton  in 
an  orange  shell,  the  orange  shell  cut  in  half  and  tied  with 
orange  ribbon.  As  there  will  be  four  persons  in  the  group, 
one  baby  can  be  given  to  each  of  the  four. 

PATRIOTIC  PARTY 

Drape  the  room  for  the  occasion  with  red,  white  and 
blue  bunting.  Fill  tall  vases  with  red  and  white  carna- 
tions and  deep  blue  larkspur. 

Decorate  the  room  with  banners,  streamers,  red,  white, 
and  blue  lamp  shades,  large  copies  of  the  State  seals,  and 
the  like. 

Uncle  Sam  and  Miss  Columbia  should  stand  in  the 
centre  of  the  room  and  receive  the  guests  as  they  arrive. 
Members  of  the  social  committee,  representing  in  some 
way  Cuba,  Porto  Rico,  the  Philippines,  and  Hawaii,  should 
act  as  ushers  to  present  each  newcomer  to  Uncle  Sam  and 
Miss  Columbia. 

Ask  each  guest  to  come  bearing  upon  his  garments 


142  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

somewhere  a symbol  that  will  hint  at  the  name  of  one  of 
the  Presidents.  For  instance,  the  picture  of  a canoe  out 
of  which  persons  are  tumbling  may  suggest  “Tippecanoe  ” 
Harrison  ; a link  of  sausage  or  of  a chain,  strung  on  a 
string  and  hung  from  the  neck,  will  hint  at  Lincoln. 
To  indicate  Washington  a washing-board  may  be  borne 
in  front,  while  on  the  back  is  a piece  of  pasteboard 
painted  to  resemble  a weight  and  marked  “ 1 Ton.”  A 
“ G.  A.  R.”  pin  fastened  to  the  picture  of  a meadow  may 
represent  Garfield. 

Give  to  each  guest  as  he  arrives  a list  of  all  the  guests 
invited,  and  let  him  bestir  himself  to  meet  everybody,  so 
as  to  ascertain  if  possible  the  various  presidents  represented, 
whose  names  when  discovered  he  writes  opposite  the 
proper  names  on  the  list  given  him.  These  lists  will  be 
handed  to  an  examining  board,  and,  later  in  the  evening, 
the  one  whose  list  is  most  complete  and  accurate  will  be 
adorned  with  a laurel  wreath  placed  upon  his  head  by 
some  comic  orator.  This  laurel  wreath  may  be  made  of 
green  paper,  if  you  lack  the  real  article. 

Questions  about  past  ladies  of  the  White  House  may 
also  prove  interesting  and  enjoyable.  A few  such  follow, 
but  many  others  may  be  formulated. 

What  first  lady  of  the  land  fled  from  Washington  to 
escape  the  British?  (Dolly  Madison) 

What  was  Mrs.  Lincoln’s  name  before  marriage  ? (Miss 
Mary  Todd) 

Name  three  early  Presidents  who  married  widows? 
(Washington,  Jefferson,  and  Madison) 

What  early  President  married  a New  York  girl  ? 
(Monroe) 

Whom  did  John  Q.  Adams  marry  ? (Louisa  K.  John- 
son, of  Maryland) 

What  President  had  a troubled  love  affair  and  marriage  ? 
(Jackson) 

What  early  President  besides  Washington  married  a widow 
called  Martha  ? (Jefferson) 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  143 

PEDDLERS’  PARADE 

One  recently  given  by  the  young  people  of  a church  to 
raise  funds  for  charity  work  was  extremely  well  managed. 
Invitations  were  issued  to  members  of  the  congregation  to 
attend  a Peddled  Parade  at  eight  o’clock  on  a certain 
evening,  a small  sum  being  asked  for  admission.  The 
movable  seats  in  the  chapel  were  placed  so  that  a wide 
space  was  left  between  them  down  the  centre  of  the  hall. 

At  eight  o’clock  a march  was  played,  and  through  the 
door  at  the  rear  came  a motley  procession,  greeted  with 
peals  of  laughter,  as  one  after  another  of  the  figures  seen 
on  the  streets  and  in  the  iparket,  selling  their  wares,  was 
recognized.  A little  boy,  seven  or  eight  years  old,  with  a 
red  felt  hat,  a calico  shirt,  and  gray  overalls,  carried  under 
his  arm  a number  of  newspapers ; a youth,  wearing  on  his 
head  a cook’s  white  paper  cap,  had  a tray  filled  with  crisp 
brown  doughnuts ; two  little  girls  held  baskets  filled  with 
bags  of  candy,  and  a third  a tray,  on  which  lay  small 
bunches  of  flowers.  A young  lady  dressed  as  a market 
woman  wore  a calico  gown  and  a plaid  woolen  shawl 
pinned  over  her  head  ; on  her  arm  was  a basket  filled  with 
bunches  of  celery.  A young  man  stalked  up  the  aisle 
behind  her,  whose  costume  aroused  a great  deal  of  amuse- 
ment. Huge  pasteboard  placards  hung  over  his  shoulders, 
one  in  front  and  one  behind  ; the  former  bore  the  inscrip- 
tion : 

WILLIAM  THE  CORN-CURER, 

each  word  occupying  a line ; the  back  ■ 

MY  SALVE  CURES  CORNS. 

His  head  was  covered  by  a silk  hat,  the  crown  of  which 
was  hidden  under  a piece  of  pasteboard  like  the  placards. 
Then  came  a lad  drawing  a cart  in  which  was  an  ice  cream 
freezer,  labeled  : 

HOKEY  POKEY,  FIVE  CENTS  A GLASS. 


144  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

An  Indian  woman,  whose  wares  were  Indian  baskets,  now 
appeared,  and  a lady  selling  druggists*  specialties  came 
next.  She  held  a tray  containing  brushes,  combs,  tooth 
brushes,  sponges,  hand  mirrors,  and  various  toilet  acces- 
sories, and  her  dress  was  trimmed  with  a border  of  sponges. 
A slender  girl  of  seventeen  years  impersonated  a jewelry 
peddler  and  gold  watches,  chains,  bracelets,  rings  and 
jewels  of  all  descriptions  were  fastened  securely  to  her 
dress  and  on  the  edge  silver  teaspoons  were  crossed  as  a 
trimming.  Much  amusement  was  created  by  a necktie 
vender,  whose  costume  consisted  of  a black  shirt,  black 
cutaway  coat  and  a gorgeous  tie.  On  a hardware  mer- 
chant’s tray  plebeian  tin  girdles  shone  with  as  undaunted 
a lustre  as  silver,  while  brass,  steel,  copper  and  wire 
kitchen  utensils  made  a brave  display.  Then  followed  a 
young  girl  wearing  round  her  neck  a broad  band  of  ribbon, 
which  hung  nearly  to  her  waist,  and  on  which,  fastened  so 
closely  that  they  looked  like  a garland,  were  bows  for  the 
hair  made  of  ribbons  of  various  colors.  A gypsy  in  bril- 
liant apparel,  and  a French  seller  of  perfumes,  also  gayly 
attired,  were  conspicuous  in  the  procession,  and  venders 
of  pop- corn  balls  and  peanuts  lent  variety  to  the  scene. 

Marching  through  the  lane  left  between  the  seats  to  the 
other  end  of  the  long  room,  they  grouped  themselves  in  a 
semicircle,  and  then  one  after  another,  stepping  forward, 
offered  for  sale  the  various  articles,  naming  their  prices. 


PENNY  FOR  YOUR  THOUGHTS 

Find  the  following  on  a penny : 


1.  A messenger One  cent 

2.  Ancient  mode  of  punishment  Stripes 

3.  Means  of  inflicting  it Lash 

4.  Piece  of  armor Shield 

5 . Devoted  young  man Bow 

6.  South  American  fruit Date 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  145 

7.  Place  of  worship Temple 

8.  Portion  of  a hill Brow 

9.  Three  weapons Arrows 

10.  First  American  settler Indian 

11.  Emblem  of  victory Wreath 

1 2.  Emblem  of  royalty Crown 

13.  One  way  of  expressing  matrimony United 

14.  Part  of  a river Mouth 

15.  Implements  of  writing Quills 


PHOTOGRAPH  PARTY 

This  is  especially  adapted  for  the  opening  or  closing 
party  of  the  season  given  by  a club  or  society.  Souvenir 
booklets,  containing  small  circular  snapshot  photos  of  each 
member  of  the  club, — each  one  mounted  in  the  centre  of 
a page — are  given  the  club  members.  A title  page,  with 
name,  date  and  history  of  the  club  may  be  added,  leaving 
blank  pages  for  various  memoranda.  The  cover  may  be 
of  cardboard,  paper,  silk  or  satin,  in  the  club  colors,  with 
the  club  name  in  gold.  The  place  cards  may  be  miniature 
photographs  showing  pretty  bits  of  scenery,  etc.,  or  a cor- 
ner of  the  room  in  which  the  club  meetings  are  usually 
held.  A flashlight  photograph  of  the  club  may  be  taken, 
which  will  make  a pleasing  memento  of  the  occasion. 

PICTORIAL  GEOGRAPHY 

You  can  help  make  an  hour  at  a social  fly  so  quickly 
that  the  most  bashful  person  present  will  say  it  was  only 
ten  minutes  long,  by  the  help  of  cards  bearing  small  pic- 
tures which  have  been  cut  from  newspaper  advertisements. 
For  instance,  Arkansas  may  be  formed  by  a capital  R,  a 
sprinkling-can,  and  a saw ; Iowa,  a large  I,  and  a picture 
of  a grocer’s  scales — I- weigh ; Sacramento,  by  a sack, 
“ra,”  a group  of  men,  and  the  toe  of  a slipper;  Belgium, 
by  a bell  and  a stick-pin  (Bell-gem) ; and  so  on  with  a 


146  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

host  of  such  names  as  Ohio,  Red  Sea,  Arizona,  Orange, 
Wheeling,  Waterbury,  Catskill,  Delaware,  Montana, 
Potomac,  Charleston,  etc. 


PICTURE  READING 

Picture  reading  is  a novel  amusement  which  is  adapted 
to  a small  party  only. 

Provide  as  many  envelopes  and  short  pencils  as  there 
are  guests.  On  the  outside  of  each  envelope  write  the 
name  of  a guest.  Place  a lead-pencil  and  a folded  sheet 
of  unruled  paper  inside  of  each  envelope. 

When  the  guests  are  seated,  present  each  one  with  the 
envelope  bearing  his  or  her  name.  The  hostess,  or  some 
other  person  appointed  by  her,  then  explains  to  the  com- 
pany that  each  one  is  expected  to  draw  a picture  upon  the 
paper  found  within  the  envelope. 

No  matter  how  crudely  executed,  each  person  must  at 
least  attempt  to  draw  a picture  of  something,  and  then 
replace  the  sheet  of  paper  in  the  envelope. 

A prophet  or  prophetess  must  be  appointed,  also  an 
assistant,  care  being  taken,  however,  that  the  former  is 
pretty  well  acquainted  with  the  different  guests. 

The  assistant  collects  the  envelopes,  keeping  the  names 
thereon  carefully  concealed  from  the  prophet.  He  then 
takes  from  an  envelope  the  drawing  and  presents  it  to  the 
prophet. 

The  latter  proceeds  to  foretell  the  future  life  of  the 
maker  of  the  picture  in  his  hand,  revealing  as  much  or  as 
little  as  he  pleases  of  the  details  of  the  picture. 

When  he  has  exhausted  the  resources  of  the  picture,  he 
returns  it  to  the  assistant,  who  reads  aloud  the  name  on 
the  envelope  and  restores  both  it  and  the  picture  to  their 
owner. 

If  properly  carried  out,  this  is  a most  entertaining  form 
of  amusement. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  147 

PICTURES  OF  PROMINENT  MEN 

If  the  company  be  musical,  the  pictures  of  celebrated 
musicians  could  be  appropriately  used,  and  in  writing 
down  the  names  of  these  it  could  also  be  required  of  the 
guests  to  cite  some  noted  composition  of  each  ; or  should 
the  company  be  general,  the  pictures  of  men  prominent  in 
different  professions — divines,  orators,  actors,  statesmen — 
could  be  utilized  in  almost  exactly  the  same  manner. 

Should  the  entertainment  be  given  in  July  or  in  March, 
it  would  be  quite  appropriate  to  have  on  the  cards  pictures 
of  the  different  presidents,  to  be  named  by  the  guests,  the 
dates  of  their  respective  terms  in  offices  to  be  given  by 
them.  While  almost  any  one  could  readily  recognize  a 
picture  of  W ashington,  Lincoln  or  Grant,  there  are  other 
presidents  whose  portraits  are  not  so  familiar,  and  it  would 
take  a pretty  good  student  in  United  States  history  to  cor- 
rectly recognize  likenesses  of  them  all,  or  even  a dozen  of 
the  less  familiar  pictures  of  the  group,  much  less  to  give 
the  dates  of  their  terms  of  office.  A framed  picture  of  one 
of  the  greatest  of  the  presidents  might  be  given  as  first 
prize  to  the  person  whose  card  is  filled  out  correctly  with 
all  the  names  and  dates,  or  comes  nearest  to  being  cor- 
rectly filled. 

PIE  PARTY 

The  invitation  to  this  party  should  be  written  on  three- 
cornered  papers,  shaped  and  painted  to  look  like  pieces  of 
pie. 

Have  each  lady  bring  a different  kind  of  pie,  thus  secur- 
ing great  variety.  The  refreshments  should  consist  entirely 
of  pies  and  hot  coffee. 

Have  each  gentleman  present  write  a recipe  for  the  kind 
of  pie  eaten  by  him,  also  telling  how  long  it  takes  to  bake  it. 
A suitable  prize  can  be  given  for  the  best  recipe. 

A large  pie  filled  with  bran'  may  contain  a favor  for 
each  guest,  any  little  articles  that  will  not  be  injured  in  the 
baking  being  suitable. 


148  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

PILGRIM  LUNCHEON 

A Pilgrim  luncheon  is  a most  delightful  affair  when 
properly  carried  out. 

The  guests  should  be  requested  to  dress  in  quaint  old 
costumes  suitable  to  the  occasion.  If  the  floors  are  scrubbed 
and  sanded  in  keeping  with  the  old-time  Pilgrim  interiors, 
so  much  the  better. 

Candles  in  old-fashioned  brass  sticks  will  furnish  suffi- 
cient light.  A cheerful  fire  in  the  grate,  with  a kettle 
hanging  on  a crane,  will  add  to  the  festivities. 

All  the  old  heirlooms — spinning  wheels  of  various  sizes, 
andirons,  candlesticks,  etc. — that  can  be  resurrected  or 
borrowed,  will  be  needed. 

Decorations  consisting  of  strings  of  dried  apples  and 
bunches  of  field  corn,  can  be  used  with  good  effect.  Old 
blue  and  white  coverlids  can  be  used  as  hangings  or  couch 
covers. 

Homespun  tablecloths  and  old-fashioned  china  will  be 
needed  in  the  dining-room.  Only  old-time  dishes  should 
enter  into  the  menu.  Below  is  given  one  : 

Fried  Chicken  Hot  Rolls 
Boston  Baked  Beans 
Brown  Bread  Coffee 

Cucumber  Pickles  Plum  Preserves 
Pumpkin  Pie  Cheese 

Doughnuts  Banbury  Tarts 


PING-PONG  LUNCHEON 

This  ping-pong  luncheon  deserves  mention  for  the  novelty 
of  the  idea  as  well  as  for  the  cleverness  of  the  hostess  in 
planning  her  menu.  The  table  decorations  consisted  of 
two  ping-pong  nets  stretched  diagonally  across  the  table. 
In  the  centre  where  the  nets  crossed,  four  racquets  of  white 
parchment  with  scarlet  edges  were  placed.  From  these 
rose  a bunch  of  asparagus  ferns,  and  stuck  amid  the  ferns, 
like  big  roses,  were  a dozen  rosettes  of  taffeta  ribbon  of  six 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  149 

different  shades  of  red  and  pink.  The  name  cards  were 
of  white  cardboard  cut  in  the  shape  of  racquets  with  red 
edges. 

The  menu  included  creamed  white  fish  made  into  balls, 
each  laid  on  a miniature  racquet  cut  from  thin  slices  of 
buttered  bread ; French  chops  trimmed  into  circular  shape 
with  the  bone  of  each  twisted  with  white  frilled  paper 
(forming  little  racquets)  served  with  potatoes  cut  into  little 
balls ; balls  of  cream  cheese  served  on  racquets  of  toasted 
bread,  with  lettuce  leaves;  and  vanilla  ice-cream  balls 
served  on  racquets  of  drop  cake. 

At  the  close  of  the  luncheon  each  girl  took  one  of  the 
rosettes  and  found  in  it  a tiny  silver  pin  in  the  shape  of  a 
racquet  to  pin  upon  her  gown.  The  two  who  chose  the 
same  color  had  to  meet  each  other  in  the  tournament  which 
occupied  the  rest  of  the  afternoon. 

PING-PONG  PARTY 

The  invitations,  which  were  written  on  pink  paper,  ran 
as  follows : 

Ping-Pong  Party  ! 

Polite  and  pretty  people  pressed  to  pleasantly  play  ping- 
pong  for  prizes  : pens , pictures , purses  or  pencils . 

Patent  leather  pumps  and  pinafores  positively  prohibited . 

Party  puts  in  at  8 P.  M.— pulls  out  at  pleasure . 

Program 

1.  Ping-pong  partners. 

2 . Playing  ping-pong. 

3.  Partaking  of  prepared  provender. 

4.  Presentation  of  prizes . 

P.  s.  v.  p.  pretty  promptly  to  Miss  Ethel  Thompson , 

ijy  Chestnut  Street . 

The  tournament  began  with  mixed  doubles.  A pretty 


150  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

boutonniere  was  given  to  each  guest.  The  men  selected 
for  their  partners  the  girls  who  had  flowers  corresponding 
to  theirs.  After  doubles  were  played  off  the  singles  were 
on,  and  the  prizes  were  given  at  the  supper-table.  A 
charming  Japanese  fan,  labeled  “ Pretty  present  to  prevent 
prickly  heat,”  was  the  ladies’  prize;  a potted  plant,  the 
men’s;  while  some  slight  consolation  was  given  the  for- 
tunate bein§  who  almost  won  by  a wriggly  paper  snake, 
bearing  on  its  harmless  fangs  the  legend,  “The  perilous 
python  pitilessly  puts  a period  to  pleasure.” 

A rather  unusual  supper  of  sandwiches  of  thin  pumper- 
nickel, potato  salad,  pumpkin  pie,  fruit  punch  and  pop- 
corn was  enjoyed. 


PIN  PARTY 

The  invitations  to  this  were  written  on  large  sheets  of 
paper,  and  the  sheet  was  then  folded  up  small,  and  pinned 
with  a large  black  pin.  Each  guest  was  requested  to 
bring  a fancy  stick-pin  which  he  or  she  was  willing  to  have 
disposed  of  as  the  hostess  saw  fit. 

On  entering,  these  were  given  to  the  hostess,  who  thrust 
each  into  a small  card  bearing  the  name  of  the  person 
bringing  it.  While  her  guests  were  removing  wraps  in  the 
guest-chamber,  she  put  these  by  twos  (one  brought  by  a 
girl  and  one  by  a man)  into  small  jeweler’s  boxes.  The 
name  of  the  girl  who  brought  the  one  pin  was  put  into  the 
box,  but  no  man’s  name  was  enclosed.  When  the  time 
came  for  supper  these  boxes  were  passed  to  the  gentlemen, 
who  each  selected  one.  The  name  inside  indicated  which 
lady  he  was  to  take  out  to  supper.  One  stick-pin  went  to 
each  of  the  pair,  and  these  served  as  souvenirs. 

It  so  happened  that  no  man  had  the  pin  that  he  hfd 
brought  to  the  entertainment,  and  of  course  no  girl  had 
hers,  for  she  would  insist  that  the  man  take  the  pin  she  had 
provided.  As  many  of  these  pins  were  the  quaintest  ones 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  151 

to  be  found  by  the  persons  bringing  them,  they  created 
not  a little  amusement. 

But  we  are  getting  ahead  of  our  story,  for  before  supper 
the  time  was  filled  in  with  various  games. 

The  first  of  these  was  an  entertainment  in  which  all  the 
guests  took  part.  A fancy  tray  contained  as  many  slips 
of  cardboard  as  there  were  guests.  This  was  placed  on 
the  centre-table,  and  the  hostess  called  upon  one  of  the 
men  to  pick  up  one  of  these  slips  at  random,  and  read 
what  it  contained.  He  did  so  and  read  : “The  tale  of  a 
pin.”  The  hostess  then  informed  him  that  he  must  tell 
the  story  of  a pin,  and  do  it  in  two  minutes.  The  surprise 
was  so  great  that  he  scarcely  recovered  enough  to  begin 
his  story  before  his  time  was  up.  Then  he  had  to  call  on 
some  girl,  and  she  must  take  a slip,  and  do  whatever  it 
bade  her,  for  the  period  of  two  minutes.  And  so  on  until 
all  had  taken  part.  Some  of  the  slips  read  thus  : 

Speak  a piece  with  something  in  it  about  a pin. 

Name  twenty-five  kinds  of  pins. 

Tell  a story  about  a girl  and  a pin. 

Give  an  oration  on  points. 

Give  a talk  on  pinfeathers. 

Improvise  a poem  on  “The  boy  and  the  pin.” 

Point  out  the  various  pins  you  can  see  in  this  room. 

Tell  twenty  uses  for  a hairpin. 

Sew  with  a pin.  With  this  was  given  a piece  of  cheese- 
cloth and  a pin  with  a long  thread  tied  to  the  head. 

Count  the  pins  in  a heap,  (All  sizes  and  kinds.) 

Make  a pin  stand  on  its  head. 

Draw  a picture  of  a pin.  (Breastpin  of  huge  pattern.) 

Play  a game  of  “ ring  pins.”  This  was  a variation  of 
the  game  of  quoits  or  ring  toss.  Into  a foot  square  piece 
of  soft  pine  had  been  stuck  twenty  pins  about  an  inch 
apart.  Tfye  victim  was  given  ten  small  brass  rings,  and 
made  to  stand  two  feet  from  the  edge  of  the  tableland  see 
how  many  rings  he  could  make  catch  over  a pin. 


1 £2  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

P.  O.  D.  DINNER  PARTY 

On  the  twenty-second  day  of  February  the  guests  were 
bidden  to  a P.  O.  D.  (Post-Office  Department)  dinner  party, 
but  none  guessed  the  meaning  of  the  mysterious  letters  till 
they  were  seated  at  the  table  and  found  that  the  place-cards 
were  unsealed  envelopes  stamped  and  directed,  each  one 
containing  a tin  label  similar  to  the  ones  upon  the  sacks 
used  in  the  Railway  Mail  Service.  These  had  been  made 
by  a tinsmith  and  were  only  strips  of  tin  three  inches  long 
and  an  inch  and  a half  wide.  The  sides  had  been  bent 
over  slightly  to  form  a slot  to  hold  a narrow  piece  of  card- 
board, and  a blue  or  a pink  ribbon  was  drawn  through  a 
small  hole  punched  in  one  end. 

The  ladies’  slips  bore  the  names  of  small  towns  near  by, 
while  those  of  the  gentlemen  had  the  titles  of  the  railroads 
on  which  the  towns  were  situated. 

The  table  was  decorated  with  toy  trains  and  stage- 
coaches and  men  on  horseback,  all  loaded  with  tiny  mail- 
sacks  filled  with  salted  nuts,  candies,  and  even  little  cakes. 
The  guests  had  great  fun  guiding  the  various  conveyances 
around  the  table  and  peering  into  the  small  sacks. 

After  dinner  the  host  stood  in  the  dining-room  door  and 
would  allow  no  couple  to  pass  who  were  not  able  to  show 
perfectly  matched  slides. 

In  the  parlor  cards  on  which  were  written  names  and 
addresses  were  passed  around  and  two  minutes  allowed 
to  decipher  and  write  them  on  tablets  provided  for  the  pur- 
pose, and  numbered  from  one  to  twenty-five.  At  the  tap 
of  a bell  each  person  passed  his  or  her  card  to  the  one  on 
the  right,  and  in  this  way  the  cards  made  the  circuit  of 
the  room  in  the  given  time.  There  were  enough  difficult 
ones  to  give  an  idea  of  the  troubles  which  beset  Uncle 
Sam’s  faithful  servants  when  handling  the  mails. 

The  first  prize  was  a silver  stamp-box,  and  the  consola- 
tion one  a small  United  States  atlas. 

A boy  with  a mail-sack  distributed  packages  of  bonbons, 
and  the  old-fashioned  game  of  “ post  office  ” was  played. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  153 

POP-CORN  PARTY 

I was  much  surprised  and  amused  at  a little  corn-colored 
envelope  which  came  with  my  morning  mail  the  other  day. 
It  contained,  written  upon  corn-colored  paper,  an  invita- 
tion from  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Blank  to  be  present  at  “ A Pop-corn 
Party  ” on  the  following  Thursday  evening  at  eight  o’clock. 
In  the  lower  left-hand  corner  was  written,  “ To  meet  Mr. 
C.  Cobb  very  informally.” 

In  the  dressing-room  each  girl  was  presented  with  an  ad- 
dition to  her  toilet  in  the  shape  of  a necklace  of  pop-corn 
sewed  upon  satin  ribbon,  each  necklace  having  a distinct 
color.  Upon  entering  the  parlors  we  found  all  the  men 
adorned  with  watch-chains  to  correspond.  We  were 
speedily  invited  into  the  dining-room,  where  a bright  open 
fire  was  burning,  and  were  told  that  this  time  the  girls 
were  to  do  “the  popping.”  And  they  did,  while  ghost 
stories  were  told,  songs  were  sung  and  conundrums  given 
and  guessed.  As  the  corn  was  popped  it  was  given  to  the 
hostess,  who,  in  a corn-colored  crepon  gown,  presently  in- 
vited all  the  men  to  take  partners.  This  they  did  by 
selecting  the  girls  whose  necklaces  matched  their  watch- 
chains  in  color. 

Then  we  sat  down  to  a veritable  feast  of  pop-corn  at  a 
table  which  had  been  entirely  arranged  in  corn  color,  and 
upon  which  were  served  salted,  sugared  and  buttered  pop- 
corn, pop-corn  balls,  lemon  jelly-cake,  lemon  sponge-cake, 
lemonade,  hot  and  cold,  lemon  ice  cream,  lemon  water  ice 
and  lemon  jelly.  After  our  delicious  supper  we  returned 
to  the  parlor  and  were  handed  cards  with  pencils  attached. 
Our  hostess  then  rang  a bell  and  called  for  order,  and 
when  order  reigned  she  requested  us  to  write  eight  nouns 
beginning  with  corn,  and  the  name  of  a general  beginning 
in  the  same  way.  In  ten  minutes  she  rang  the  bell  again 
and  collected  the  lists,  l^he  best  one  read,  “Cornflower, 
cornstarch,  cornice,  cornet,  cornea,  corner,  corncake, 
cornucopia,  General  Cornwallis.” 

The  maker  of  this  list  received  a pretty  corn-colored 


154  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

paper  lamp  shade  as  a prize,  and  the  girl  who  only  had  two 
words  on  her  list  received  the  booby  prize — a corn-colored 
paper  dunce  cap,  which  she  was  compelled  to  wear  the  rest 
of  the  evening. 


PORTRAIT  GAME 

In  this  new  and  clever  game  a name  card,  with  the 
numbers  from  one  to  six  written  upon  it,  a small  pad  of 
paper,  and  a pencil,  are  handed  to  each  guest.  The  gen- 
tlemen are  then  asked  to  select  partners  for  each  number 
upon  their  cards,  and  when  this  is  done  the  hostess  may 
give  the  signal  for  the  game  to  begin,  and  announce  that 
“ partners  ” may  proceed  to  draw  each  other’s  faces  upon 
the  pads  of  paper,  each  gentleman  depicting  the  charms 
of  his  vis-a-vis , and  each  lady  doing  likewise. 

At  the  end  of  five  minutes  a bell  gives  the  signal  for  the 
gentlemen  to  seek  their  next  partners,  and  again  the  por- 
traiture goes  on.  When  all  the  partners  have  been  taken 
and  all  the  portraits  drawn,  each  portrait  being  marked 
with  the  artist’s  initials  and  a number  corresponding  to  the 
number  the  model  occupies  on  each  card,  the  collection  is 
pinned  to  a sheet  or  portiere,  and  the  guests  are  invited  to 
guess  whose  likeness  each  drawing  is  meant  to  represent. 

The  one  guessing  the  largest  number  of  portraits  cor- 
rectly is  given  a prize  of  a photograph,  and  the  one  who 
has  made  the  best  portrait  also  receives  one. 

POVERTY  PARTY 

The  committee  should  take  especial  pains  to  have  every 
one  enter  into  this  party  to  make  it  a success.  When  it 
was  held  at  the  home  of  the  writer,  the  house  was  all  torn 
up  ready  to  move  out  the  next  day,  so  the  floors  were 
bare,  the  curtains  were  all  down  and  everything  looked 
very  much  poverty  stricken.  All  the  good  furniture  was 
fnoved  out  of  the  rooms*  and  store  boxes  with  long  boards 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  155 

across  made  the  seats.  Mush  and  milk  was  served  in  tin 
cups  with  tin  spoons  (borrowed  for  the  party).  A flash- 
light photograph  was  taken  and  every  one  had  a thoroughly 
good  time. 


YEW  AIR  AST  TO  A 

POVERTY  PARTTY  ! 

that  us  fokes  of  thee  Trinity  C.  E.  air  a-goin  tu  hav  at 
the  hous  whare  Mr.  Linscott  livs  with  his  wife.  It  is  on 
Alanson  Strete.  If  yer  cante  finde  it  go  to  No.  36. 
MONDAY  N1TE, 

MARTCH  'IEEE  TWENTY  ATE 
RULS  AND  REGELASHUNS. 

Chap.  One.  Evry  womman  who  kurns  must  ware  a 
kaliko  dres  and  apern,  ore  somethin  ekally  apropriate. 

Chap.  Tew.  All  men  must  ware  there  ole  close  and 
flannill  shurts.  Biled  shurts  and  stanup  dickys  air  pro- 
hibbitted  onles  there  ole  and  rinkled. 

These  Rids  Will  Bee  Inforced  to  thee  Leter . 

One — A kompetunt  core  uf  mannagers  and  ades  will  be 
in  attendance. 

Tew — The  hull  sasiety  wil  interduce  strangirs  and  luk 
after  bashfil  fellers. 

Three — There  is  a-goin  to  bee  lots  of  phun  fore  every 
boddy. 

Fore — Phun  wil  begin  tu  commance  at  haf  pas  seven. 
Five — Tu  git  into  thee  house  yew  wil  have  tew  pay  tu 

(2)  cents. 

Six — Tu  git  anny  thing  tu  ete  yew  will  haf  tu  pay  thre 

(3)  cents. 

Seven — Yew  beter  bring  lots  uv  pennies  tu  pay  phines 
with. 

Kum  Irly  and  Git  a Gude  Sete . 


156  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

POVERTY  SOCIABLE 

You  are  Asked  to  the  Parlors  of  Gen.  & Mrs.  Silas 
T.  Jones 

Wednesday  Evening , April  Twelfth . 

Come  in  your  rags,  come  in  your  tags/5  but  not  in 
velvet  gowns,  or  you  will  be  fined  the  usual  some,  25 
sents.  Read  the  program  and  all  kum. 

Rewls  and  Regerlashuns 

First.  Every  womin  what  kums  must  ware  a Poverty 
dres  and  apern,  er  somethin  ekelly  erpropriate,  an  leave 
her  poodle  dorg  to  hum. 

Second.  Know  gent  with  biled  shirt  and  dood  koller 
will  be  aloud  to  kum  onless  he  pays  a fine  of  5 sents. 

Third.  A kompitent  komitty  will  intruduse  strangers 
an  look  after  bashful  fellers. 

Vittles 

Koffy,  5 sents  Ginger  Kake,  5 sents 

KUM  AT  KANDLE  LIGHTIN  AN  STAY  TIL  BEDTIME 
NO  OBSTREPROUS  ER  BAD  BOYS  PERMITTED 

PRESIDENTIAL  COUPLETS 

1.  Who  first  at  Washington  did  pledge 
The  nation’s  weal  to  guard  and  hedge  ? 

2.  Which  President,  most  grave  and  wary, 

Was  called  “ Old  Public  Functionary  ” ? 

3.  Whose  phaeton,  made  from  ship  of  state, 

Conveyed  him  to  inaugural  fete  ? 

4.  What  President,  renowned  for  spleen, 

Joined  the  Continentals  when  fourteen  ? 

5.  Who  in  his  New  York  home  did  take 
The  oath  which  doth  a President  make  ? 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  157 

6.  Who  to  his  inaugural  hied 

His  good  and  faithful  horse  astride  ? 

7.  When  death  first  made  vacant  a President’s  chair. 
What  Vice-President  succeeded  there  ? 

8.  Who  to  his  inaugural  came  disguised, 

For  fear  of  mischief  ill-advised  ? 

9.  Who  was  wounded  in  Trenton  town 
When  Washington  put  the  Hessians  down  ? 

10.  Who  President  again  became 

Just  four  year  after  resigning  the  name  ? 

11.  What  President  served  but  thirty  days 
Ere  death  dissolved  his  term  of  praise  ? 

12.  What  President,  son  of  a President, 

Was  known  as  “The  Old  Man  Eloquent  ” ? 

13.  Because  March  fourth  on  Sunday  came, 

Who,  for  one  day,  deferred  their  claim  ? 

14.  Who,  when  his  oath  of  office  he  took, 

Was  known  as  “ The  Wizard  of  Kinderhook  ”? 

15.  Who,  after  his  inaugural  vow, 

Turned  round  to  kiss  his  mother’s  brow  ? 

16.  The  initials  of  what  President’s  name 
Stand  for  a phrase  which  made  his  fame  ? 

17.  Who  in  the  Quaker  City  neat 
Their  oaths  of  office  did  repeat  ? 

18.  Which  Chief  Magistrate  was  styled 

“ The  American  Fabius  ” of  the  wild  ? 

19.  “ Novanglus  ” was  the  pen-name  signed 
By  what  President  of  cultured  mind  ? 

20.  Who  only  as  President  and  Commander-in-Chief 
Has  stood  on  the  battle-field  planning  relief? 


158  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

i.  Thomas  Jefferson.  2.  James  Buchanan.  3.  Martin 
Van  Buren.  4.  Andrew  Jackson.  5.  Chester  A.  Arthur. 
6.  Thomas  Jefferson.  7.  John  Tyler.  8.  Abraham  Lin- 
coln. 9.  James  Monroe.  10.  Grover  Cleveland.  11. 
William  Henry  Harrison.  12.  John  Quincy  Adams.  13. 
James  Monroe,  Rutherford  B.  Hayes,  Zachary  Taylor. 
14.  Martin  Van  Buren.  15.  James  A.  Garfield.  16. 
U.  S.  (Unconditional  Surrender)  Grant.  17.  John 
Adams,  George  Washington.  18.  George  Washington. 
19.  John  Adams.  20.  Abraham  Lincoln. 


PRESIDENTIAL  QUESTIONS 

What  President  had  a son  who  became  President? 
John  Adams. 

What  President  died  with  the  now  famous  words : 
“This  is  the  last  of  earth.  I am  content  ”?  John  Q. 
Adams. 

Who  was  the  fifteenth  President  of  the  United  States? 
Buchanan. 

What  Vice-President  became  President  by  the  death  of 
Taylor  ? Fillmore. 

By  the  death  of  Garfield  ? Arthur. 

What  President  fought  the  last  battle  of  the  War  of 
1812?  Jackson. 

During  the  administration  of  what  President  did  the 
Louisiana  purchase  and  Burr’s  treason  occur  ? Jefferson’s. 

Under  what  President  was  the  War  of  1812  begun? 
Madison. 

What  President  outlined  a famous  foreign  policy  ? 
Monroe. 

What  two  Presidents  died  the  same  day  ? Adams  and 
Jefferson. 

What  three  Presidents  were  assassinated  ? Lincoln, 
Garfield,  and  McKinley. 

What  Presidents  served  as  generals  in  the  Mexican  war  ? 
Taylor  and  Pierce. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  159 

During  what  administration  did  the  annexation  of  Texas 
and  the  Mexican  war  take  place?  Polk's. 

PRESIDENTS’  NICKNAMES 

Let  the  nicknames  of  our  Presidents  form  the  subject  of 
a guessing  contest.  These  should  be  written  one  at  a time 
upon  a blackboard  and  numbered.  One  minute  is 
allowed  in  which  to  guess  and  write  down  the  name  of 
the  Executive  to  whom  the  title  was  applied.  The  list  of 
nicknames  is  as  follows  : 

Rail-splitter  of  the  West  ? (Lincoln) 

Hero  of  New  Orleans  ? (Jackson) 

Old  Man  Eloquent  ? (J.  Q.  Adams) 

Canal  Boy?  (Garfield) 

Northern  Man  with  Southern  Principles  ? (Buchanan) 
Tippecanoe?  (W.  H.  Harrison) 

Honest  Abe  ? (Lincoln) 

Rough  and  Ready?  (Taylor) 

Let  the  best  list  of  answers  be  awarded  a prize. 

PUSSY  WILLOW  PARTY 

Especially  appropriate  ideas  for  an  evening's  entertain- 
ment to  be  given  the  last  of  March  or  the  first  of  April 
are  suggested  by  the  pussy  willow.  The  invitations  sent 
out  to  the  invited  friends  can  be  written  on  cards  brown- 
tinted  like  the  bark  of  the  trees,  and  can  be  very  artistic- 
ally decorated  with  the  furry  blooms,  or  with  paintings 
of  them.  Trim  the  parlor  with  pussy  willows  by  filling 
vases,  pitchers,  and  bowls.  Place  the  catkins  about  the 
room  and  suspend  branches  of  them  from  gas  jets  and 
about  the  windows.  The  hostess  can  adorn  herself  very 
prettily  with  these  blooms  by  making  wreaths  for  the  neck 
and  hair,  and  by  pinning  branches  of  them  on  the  skirt  in 
some  design. 

For  entertainment,  pin  against  the  wall  at  one  end  of  the 


i6o  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

room  a sheet  upon  which  is  sketched  a large  pussy  willow 
stalk.  Distribute  paper  catkins  among  the  guests,  who, 
blindfolded,  try  in  turn,  to  pin  them  on  the  stalk.  This 
affords  a great  deal  of  amusement.  Those  who  succeed  in 
pinning  their  catkins  upon  the  stalk  receive  prizes,  given 
according  to  the  success  of  the  contestants.  These  prizes 
are  in  the  shape  of  favors  appropriately  fashioned  from  the 
fluffy  little  pussies.  For  further  amusement,  have  cards 
distributed  on  which  each  person  is  asked  to  write  favorite 
quotations  or  original  rhymes  beginning  with  each  letter 
contained  in  the  compound  word  “ pussy-willow.”  These 
are  read  in  turn,  and  many  gems  are  brought  fresh  to  each 
one’s  mind.  One  could  also  introduce  a pussy  willow 
hunt,  as  another  pastime.  For  the  dining-room  decora- 
tion use  more  pussy  willows.  A pussy  willow  centrepiece 
would  carry  out  the  idea  nicely,  and  add  to  the  attractive- 
ness of  the  table.  Brown  and  silvery  green  are  suggestive 
colors  for  further  decorations,  and  may  be  used  on  the 
menu  cards,  making  them  simple  but  appropriate  sou- 
venirs. 


RED,  WHITE  AND  BLUE  LUNCHEON 

The  entire  color  scheme  of  this  Fourth  of  July  luncheon 
must  be  worked  out  in  the  national  colors ; as  far  as  pos- 
sible the  doilies  used  should  be  designed  in  star-shaped 
patterns,  with  a border  in  wash  silks  of  interwoven  red 
carnations  and  blue  corn-flowers.  Suspended  directly 
over  the  centre  of  the  table,  a huge  liberty  bell  should  be 
hung,  composed  of  red  and  white  carnations  and  blue 
corn-flowers.  Depending  therefrom  should  be  ropes  of 
red,  white  and  blue  ribbon,  terminating  at  the  four  corners 
of  the  table.  The  luncheon  to  be  served  should  be  as  far 
as  possible  in  the  prevailing  colors,  the  ices  might  be  in 
firecracker  form,  and  the  starry  banner  should  appear 
wherever  it  can  be  introduced.  Draperies  and  pictures 
indicative  of  the  occasion  should  be  placed  in  conspicuous 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  161 

places,  and  do  not  forget  a goodly  supply  of  pyrotechnics 
to  conclude  the  day.  Such  a luncheon  will  certainly  com- 
mend itself  to  all,  and  most  particularly  to  the  younger 
element. 

Write  the  following  verses  on  cards  and  pass  around 
among  the  guests  after  they  have  left  the  table.  Have 
each  verse  read  aloud  previous  to  the  performance : 

1.  Though  puzzles  do  our  minds  distress, 

We’d  like  two  good  ones  now  to  guess. 

2.  We’d  like  to  hear  you  tell  to-day, 

Some  funny  things  that  children  say. 

3.  Describe  some  woman  in  the  town, 

Her  nose  and  hair,  her  dress  and  gown ; 

But  do  not  give  us  her  address, 

Nor  tell  her  name,  and  we  will  guess. 

4.  We’d  like  a story  full  of  fun ; 

You’re  gifted,  Lyman,  tell  us  one 

5.  Misery  likes  company,  they  say; 

We’d  like  to  hear  you  tell  to-day 
(Don’t  hesitate,  but  now  begin) 

Of  the  worst  scrape  you  e’er  were  in. 

6.  Your  talent  gives  as  much  delight; 

We  wish  that  you  would  please  recite. 

7.  Your  part  in  this  program  to  help  us  along 

Will  give  us  much  pleasure;  please  sing  us  a song. 

8.  If  music  hath  charms,  we  wish  that  to-day 

You’d  prove  it,  and  something  quite  charming  would  play. 

9.  Tell  some  joke  on  yourself,  your  wife,  or  your  friend. 

But  we  hope  that  you’ll  have  it  pleasantly  end. 

10.  Describe  some  trip  you’ve  taken  far. 

To  Mexico,  Europe,  or  Zanzibar. 


162 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

11.  Give  a tale  of  old  time  when  settlers  were  few, 
Of  what  they  had  then  and  what  they  did  do. 

12.  Describe  some  famous  picture, 

Whether  dark  or  fair. 

Please  tell  us  all  about  it, 

And  the  artist  rare. 

13.  Without  a bit  of  gossip  sweet, 

This  program  would  not  be  complete. 

Be  sure  that  while  the  seasons  roll, 

This  crowd  will  never  tell  a soul. 


“ RILEY  ” ENTERTAINMENT 

A “Riley”  party  was  recently  held  by  one  of  our 
church  charity  organizations.  It  proved  a decidedly 
unique  affair  and  quite  a profitable  one  also.  The  decora- 
tions of  the  church  parlors  consisted  mainly  of  paper, 
which  was  most  artistically  entwined  about  pillar,  post  and 
picture.  A large  picture  of  James  Whitcomb  Riley  was 
placed  upon  the  wall  facing  the  entrance,  and  over  it  in 
pasteboard  letters, 

“ When  the  frost  is  on  the  pumpkin, 

And  the  fodder’s  in  the  shock.” 

Almost  all  the  young  people  who  had  gotten  up  the 
entertainment  were  dressed  to  represent  Riley’s  characters, 
and  several  of  the  most  important  presided  over  the 
booths.  At  one,  which  was  literally  covered  with  paper 
flowers,  “ ’Lizabeth  Ann,  she  can  cook  best  things  to  eat,” 
sold  cakes  and  pies.  At  another  Riley’s  poems  and 
photographs  were  sold,  and  at  still  another  “The  raggedy 
man  ! He  works  for  pa,”  knocked  down  apples  from  an 
improvised  apple-tree  as  fast  as  he  could  sell  them.  And 
among  the  purchasers  were  “Little  Orphant  Annie,” 
“Max  and  Jim,”  “Pa  and  ma  and  me,  all  three,”  and 
many  others. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  163 

While  all  were  busy  buying  and  tasting  the  good  things, 
“ the  old  band  ” marched  in. 

“ Somehow — anyway 
I want  to  hear  the  old  band  play 
Sich  tunes  as  * John  Brown’s  body,’  and 
4 Sweet  Alice,’  don’t  you  know? 

And  ‘ The  camels  is  a-comin’  ’ and 
* John  Anderson,  my  Jo.’  ” 

And  the  impromptu  band  played  them.  Later  in  the 
evening  some  of  the  Riley  poems  were  recited. 

SELF-PORTRAITS 

“Actions  speak  louder  than  words.”  So  runs  the  old 
saw ; nevertheless,  a single  phrase  has  often  served  to 
make  a man  famous,  and  many  well-known  personages  are 
readily  remembered  through  especially  striking  or  appro- 
priate utterances. 

How  many  readers  will  be  able  to  credit  the  following 
to  the  proper  sources  ? 

1.  “Iam  the  greatest  historian  that  ever  lived.” 

2.  “All  that  I am,  or  ever  hope  to  be,  I owe  to  my 

mother.” 

3.  “I  would  rather  men  should  ask  why  my  statue 

is  not  set  up  than  why  it  is.” 

4.  “ My  infant  son  rules  his  mother ; his  mother 

rules  me  ; I rule  the  Athenians ; the  Athenians 
rule  the  Greeks  ; the  Greeks  rule  Europe,  and 
Europe  rules  the  world.” 

5.  “ Though  I have  the  arm  of  a woman,  I have  the 

heart  of  a King,  and  am  ready  to  pour  out 
my  blood.” 


164  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

6.  “ Here  lies  one  whose  name  is  writ  in  water.” 

7.  “ Where  liberty  is  not,  there  is  my  country.” 

8.  “ Circumstances  ! I make  circumstances  ! ” 

9.  “ As  yet  a child,  not  yet  a fool  to  fame,  I lisp’d 

in  numbers,  for  the  numbers  came.” 

iOc  “ The  world  is  my  parish.” 

11.  “ With  my  sword  by  my  side  and  Homer  in  my 

pocket,  I hope  to  carve  my  way  through  the 
world.” 

12.  “ My  country  is  the  world:  my  countrymen  are 

mankind.” 

13.  “ 1 am  called  the  richest  monarch  in  the  Chris- 

tian world  ; the  sun  in  my  dominion  never 
sets.” 

14.  “ I am  the  State.” 

15.  “ Life  is  a jest,  and  all  things  show  it ; I thought 

so  once,  but  now  I know  it.” 

16.  “ If  I were  an  American,  as  I am  an  Englishman, 

while  a foreign  troop  landed  in  my  country, 
I never  would  lay  down  my  arms — never ! 
never!  never!” 

17.  “ I came,  I saw,  I conquered.” 

18.  “ I could  lie  down  like  a tired  child  and  weep 

away  the  life  of  care  which  I have  borne,  and 
yet  must  bear.” 

19*  “I  awoke  one  morning  and  found  myself  fa- 
mous.” 


20. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  165 

^ Tell  your  master  that  if  there  were  as  many 
devils  at  Worms  as  tiles  on  its  roofs,  I would 


I. 

enter.  ’ ’ 

Edward  Gibbon. 

12. 

Wm.  Lloyd  Garrison. 

2. 

Abraham  Lincoln. 

13- 

Charles  V. 

3- 

Cato. 

14- 

Louis  XIV. 

4- 

Themistocles. 

*5- 

John  Gay. 

5- 

Queen  Elizabeth. 

16. 

Wm.  Pitt,  Earl  of  Chat- 

6. 

John  Keats. 

ham. 

7* 

Thomas  Paine. 

I7* 

Julius  Caesar. 

8. 

Napoleon  Bonaparte. 

18. 

Percy  B.  Shelley. 

9- 

Alexander  Pope. 

19. 

Lord  Byron. 

10. 

Wesley. 

20. 

Martin  Luther. 

11. 

Napoleon  Bonaparte. 

SEVEN  DAYS  IN  ONE 

This  fair  can  be  planned  by  any  society  that  wishes  to 
raise  money  and  is  willing  to  work  to  earn  it. 

Monday 

Have  a booth  with  everything  pertaining  to  wash-day — 
wash  aprons,  clothes-pin  aprons,  clothes-pin  bags,  wash- 
tubs,  boilers,  wash-boards,  clothes-lines,  clothes-pins,  soaps, 
washing-powder,  bluing,  clothes-baskets,  etc. 

Tuesday 

Have  everything  a housewife  wants  for  ironing  day — 
ironing-boards,  irons,  stands,  holders,  home-made  holders, 
fine  starch,  bees’  wax,  ironing-board  slips,  polishing  irons, 
etc. 

Wednesday 

Wednesday’s  booth  should  have  everything  for  mending 
day,  such  as  needle-books,  stocking-bags,  buttons,  button- 
bags,  pincushions,  papers  of  pins,  needles,  thread,  darning 
needles,  darning-cotton,  darning-balls,  etc. 


166  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

Thursday 

Make  Thursday  the  reception  day,  arranging  this  booth 
as  a reception  hall,  with  a good,  live  committee  in  attend- 
ance. Have  a book  for  the  guests  to  register  their  names 
and  addresses  (for  future  use).  Serve  ice  cream,  cake, 
lemonade  and  candy.  Introduce  strangers  and  appoint  a 
special  committee  to  look  after  the  backward  ones. 

Friday 

Let  this  booth  be  suggestive  of  sweeping  day.  Have 
plenty  of  dust  caps,  dust  bags,  dusting  cloths,  brushes, 
brooms,  dust-pans,  dusters,  large  colored  aprons  (which 
sell  readily),  etc. 

Saturday 

Let  this  booth  be  a regular  bakery.  Have  your  friends 
bake  various  things  for  you  to  sell,  and  have  on  sale  all 
such  articles  as  will  sell  readily,  such  as  pies,  cakes, 
cookies,  doughnuts,  bread,  baked  beans,  etc. 

Sunday 

Have  Sunday  the  crowning  day  of  all.  Arrange  to 
have  a piano  or  organ  at  this  booth,  and  secure  a full  choir 
or  quartet  to  sing  the  sacred  songs;  have  solos,  duets,  in- 
strumental music  and  an  orchestra  if  possible.  Have 
sacred  readings  and  make  the  time  spent  here  an  hour  of 
sacred  enjoyment. 

If  something  extra  is  wanted  let  the  singers  dress  in  old 
time  costumes  and  sing  the  old  sacred  songs  with  an  organ 
accompaniment. 

SHAMROCK  LUNCHEON 

An  Idea  for  St.  Patrick’s  Day 

The  invitations  were  written  upon  pale  green  note-paper, 
with  a shamrock  leaf  painted  in  water-color  in  one  corner. 
The  exquisitely  blended  shades  of  this  leaf  make  it  an 
easy  and  effective  decoration.  In  truth,  we  encountered 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  167 

some  difficulty  in  finding  a leaf  to  copy ; but  a volume  of 
Moore’s  poems,  incased  by  a considerate  binder  in  a sham- 
rock-sprinkled cover,  solved  the  problem  ! 

The  event  was  called  a 4 ‘Shamrock  Luncheon,”  the 
hours  were  from  two  until  six,  and  the  word  “ whist”  ex- 
plained our  intentions. 

The  score-cards  were  cut  from  green  cardboard,  in  the 
shape  of  a large  shamrock ; and  across  the  back  of  each 
was  written  a line  of  a humorous  St.  Patrick’s  Day  poem, 
which  we  had  discovered  in  a newspaper.  The  verses  will 
be  found  complete  at  the  end  of  this  article.  It  is  adapted 
to  twenty- four  guests,  but  it  is  easy  to  insert  more  lines  if 
more  guests  are  invited. 

Each  lady  selected  her  partner  for  the  game  by  finding 
the  holder  of  the  line  which  rhymed  with  her  own.  The 
score-cards  were  tied  with  streamers  of  narrow  white  or 
green  ribbon,  which  served  both  to  attach  the  cards  to  the 
gown  and  to  indicate  partners  in  “ changing  tables” — the 
green  always  playing  with  a white  ribbon.  (Care  must  be 
taken  to  tie  rhyming  cards,  one  with  green  and  one  with  white. ) 

When  partners  had  been  found,  the  entire  poem,  suffi- 
ciently humorous  to  break  up  all  formality,  was  read.  As 
each  line  was  read,  the  owner  of  the  card  bearing  that  line 
took  her  seat  as  indicated,  until  all  the  guests  were  easily 
and  laughingly  seated. 

The  six  small  luncheon  tables  were  set  with  green  and 
white  china,  and  had  for  centrepieces  pots  of  blossoming 
shamrock.  Any  florist  will  sell  or  rent  these. 

The  menu  was  as  follows : 

Fruit  Salad 

Boiled  Salmon  Caper  Sauce 
Potato  au  Gratin 
Chicken  Salad  in  Lettuce  Nests 
Olives  Wafers 
Pistachio  Cream 
Fancy  Cakes  Iced  in  Pale  Green 

Coffee  Bonbons  f 


168  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

This  repast,  served  by  three  pretty  waitresses  in  white 
gowns  and  green  ribbons,  was  eminently  satisfactory. 
Green  and  white  bonbons  are  easy  to  obtain.  Care  must 
be  taken,  however,  not  to  carry  the  color  scheme  too  far 
into  the  menu,  as  green  is  not  an  appetizing  color  in  all 
kinds  of  food. 


St.  Patrick’s  Birthday 

“ ’Twas  the  eighth  day  cf  March,  so  some  people  say, 

St.  Patrick  at  midnight,  he  first  saw  the  day  ! 

While  others  contend  ’twas  the  ninth  he  was  born ; 

An’  ’twas  all  a mistake  between  midnight  and  morn. 

But  mistakes  will  occur  in  a hurry  and  shock, 

And  some  blamed  the  baby,  and  some  blamed  the  clock. 
So  that  with  all  the  talk  there  was,  no  one  could  know 
If  the  child  was  too  fast,  or  the  clock  was  too  slow ! 

“ Now  the  first  faction  fight  in  owld  Ireland,  they  say, 

Was  all  on  account  of  St.  Patrick’s  birthday. 

Some  fought  for  the  eighth,  for  the  ninth  more  would  die  ; 
And  who  wouldn’t  see  right,  why,  they  blackened  his  eye. 

“ At  last  each  faction  so  positive  grew 
That  each  kept  a birthday,  and  Patrick  had  two ! 

Until  good  Father  Mulcahy,  who  showed  them  their  sins, 
Said  no  one  could  have  two  birthdays,  but  twins ! 

Said  he  : * Bhoys,  don’t  be  fightin’  fur  eight  or  fur  nine  ; 

Don’t  be  always  dividin’,  but  sometimes  combine. 

Unite  eight  and  nine — seventeen  is  the  mark. 

Let  that  be  his  birthday.’  * Amen,’  said  the  dark. 

“ * If  he  wasn’t  a twin,  sure  his  histhory  will  show 

That  lie’s  worth  at  least  any  two  saints  that  we  know.’ 
Then  they  all  ‘ tuk  a dhrop,’  which  completed  their  bliss ; 
And  they  keep  up  the  practice  from  that  day  to  this.” 


SNOWDRIFT  PARTY 

An  ingenious  hostess  provided  no  little  amusement  for 
her  guests  by  what  she  called  her  “ snowdrift  party/* 
This  is  how  it  is  arranged  : 

First  of  all  select  from  a good  book  of  quotations  or 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  169 

proverbs  twenty  sentences  applicable  to  snow.  Write  these 
twenty  verses  on  twenty  cards,  one  verse  to  each  card,  and 
number  them  with  the  numbers  from  one  to  twenty.  Now 
get  together  a half  dozen  pasteboard  or  wooden  boxes,  and 
fill  these  with  flakes  of  cotton,  wool  or  white  paper  torn 
into  small  pieces.  Hide  the  quotation  cards  away  in  the 
snow  thus  formed.  Each  guest  receives  a wooden  tea- 
spoon, tied  with  ribbon,  a note-book  and  pencil.  The 
boxes  are  distinguished  by  letters  or  numbers  painted  upon 
them,  and  lots  are  drawn  to  determine  in  which  “ snow- 
drift ’ ' each  guest  shall  dig.  The  digging  is,  of  course, 
done  with  the  spoons.  Each  player  digs  in  the  snow,  turn- 
ing it  up  spoonful  by  spoonful,  until  he  discovers  a card. 
When  a card  is  found  the  quotation  upon  it  must  be  read 
and  the  name  of  the  author,  if  recognized,  written  down. 
Each  author’s  name  should  be  placed  in  the  note-book  op- 
posite the  proper  number  of  the  card,  in  order  to  facilitate 
the  work  of  the  person  who  reads  the  lists  to  decide  the 
prize.  The  cards,  whether  the  author  is  known  or  not,  are 
always  returned  to  the  box  and  hidden  away  in  the  snow. 
At  the  end  of  fifteen  minutes,  work  ceases  and  the  diggers 
begin  on  new  drifts.  This  changing  is  done  every  fifteen 
minutes,  a player  digging  always  in  a new  snow  bank  until 
the  number  of  boxes  is  exhausted.  When  the  game 
reaches  this  stage  all  note-books  or  tablets  are  collected  by 
the  mistress  of  the  ceremonies.  She  compares  the  answers 
in  the  note-books  with  her  own  list,  previously  prepared. 
Incorrect  guesses  are  pruned  away  with  a blue  pencil  and 
the  correct  ones  counted.  It  is,  of  course,  the  player  who 
has  most  of  these  last  who  carries  off  the  trophy.  The 
prize  should  be  in  some  way  suggestive  of  the  occasion. 

SOCK  SOCIABLE 

This  little  sock  we  give  to  you 
Is  not  for  you  to  wear ; 

Please  multiply  your  size  by  two 
And  place  therein  with  care, 


170  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

In  pennies  or  in, cents, 

Just  twice  the  number  that  you  wear, 

(We  hope  it  is  immense). 

So  if  you  wear  a number  io 
You  owe  us  20,  see  ? 

Which,  dropped  into  our  little  sock, 

Will  fill  our  hearts  with  glee. 

’Tis  all  we  ask ; it  isn’t  much, 

And  hardly  any  trouble, 

But  if  you  only  have  one  foot, 

We’ll  surely  charge  you  double. 

Now,  if  you  have  a friend  quite  dear, 

You’d  like  to  bring  with  you, 

Or  if  you  know  some  one  who’d  come, 

We’ll  gladly  give  you  two. 

So  don’t  forget  the  place  and  date  — 

We’ll  answer  when  you  knock, 

And  welcome  you  with  open  arms, 

But  DON’T  FORGET  YOUR  SOCK. 

This  little  verse  should  be  sent  with  every  invitation  to 
the  sociable,  accompanied  by  a tiny  sock  made  of  silk  or 
lawn.  On  the  night  of  the  entertainment,  these  socks 
with  the  money  that  has  been  placed  in  them  are  brought 
by  the  guests  and  deposited  in  a large  bowl  at  the  door. 
The  sociable  then  proceeds  in  the  usual  manner.  This  is 
an  excellent  way  of  raising  money  for  some  charitable 
object. 


SPINNING  PARTY 

“Will  you  walk  into  my  parlor ?’* 

On  the  upper  left-hand  corner  there  was  a picture  of  a 
spider  spinning  his  web,  and  a fly  struggling  to  escape 
from  its  meshes. 

When  the  guests  arrived  they  saw  an  old-fashioned  spin- 
ning wheel  in  the  centre  of  the  room,  with  flax  near  by, 
all  ready  for  spinning.  They  were  told  that  all  must  try 
for  the  prizes  that  were  to  be  awarded  to  the  lady  and 
gentleman  who  spun  the  best  thread,  after  five  minutes’ 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  17 1 

trial.  The  mother  of  the  hostess,  who  had  done  such 
work  when  a girl,  stood  near  to  give  instruction,  and  to 
time  the  contestants.  Those  who  have  no  knowledge  of 
spinning  can  have  no  idea  how  much  fun  there  is  in  trying 
to  make  an  even  thread,  more  especially  when  surrounded 
by  interested  young  people  of  no  greater  experience.  As 
the  different  threads  were  finished  they  were  fastened  to  a 
tag  bearing  the  name  of  the  worker  and  then  pinned  to 
a square  of  black  cloth  that  had  been  pinned  to  the  wall 
for  that  purpose.  When  all  had  tried,  a committee  was 
appointed  to  help  the  hostess  decide  to  whom  prizes  should 
be  awarded. 

While  the  spinning  was  going  on  the  guests  whose  turn 
at  the  wheel  had  not  arrived  and  those  who  had  already 
tried  were  set  to  following  the  threads  of  what  looked  like 
an  immense  spider  web  wound  around  the  rooms.  It  was 
composed  of  black  and  white  threads,  the  black  threads 
being  intended  for  gentlemen  and  the  white  ones  for  ladies. 
They  were  instructed  that  when  they  found  an  end  of  one 
of  these  threads  they  were  to  begin  winding  it  into  a ball ; 
but  that  they  must  do  so  very  gently,  or  the  whole  web 
would  be  knotted  so  badly  that  it  could  not  be  undone. 
When  they  came  to  a knot  it  must  be  untied.  These 
threads  were  so  ingeniously  twisted  together  and  wound 
around  pictures,  bric-a-brac,  table  legs,  etc.,  that  it  took 
some  time  to  reach  the  farther  end,  and  every  one  had 
plenty  of  opportunity  to  talk  with  every  one  else.  A card 
was  fastened  to  the  farther  end  of  each  thread,  and  all  the 
cards  had  been  so  well  concealed  from  view  that  some 
time  elapsed  before  the  guests  knew  what  they  were  to  find. 

On  each  card  were  written  the  words,  “You  will  take 
supper  with  the  one  who  holds  the  mate  to  your  card.” 
Then  the  cards  must  be  compared.  Each  contained  a 
spider  web,  some  with  four  circles,  some  with  more ; some 
with  eight  divisions,  others  with  more  or  less ; but  there 
were  always  two  of  each  kind,  and  through  the  peculiari- 
ties of  these  webs  the  partners  discovered  each  other.  The 


\J2  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

difference  in  webs  was  sometimes  so  slight  as  not  to  be 
detected  without  close  observation;  but  it  was  always 
plain  after  having  once  been  pointed  out.  It  is  surprising 
how  many  different  designs  can  be  worked  out  in  these 
webs.  The  work  is  really  quite  fascinating  when  once 
begun,  so  the  thought  of  it  must  not  frighten  any  one  from 
giving  a spinning  party. 

When  the  prizes  had  been  awarded  to  the  best  spinners, 
several  tables  were  brought  in  and  set  about  the  room. 

On  the  top  of  each  there  was  fastened  a heavy  sheet  of 
drawing  paper,  upon  which  five  circles  had  been  drawn. 
The  outside  circle  was  as  large  as  the  table  would  allow. 
The  inner  one  was  only  two  inches  in  diameter.  The 
other  three  circles  were  drawn  at  equal  distances  between 
these  two.  In  the  inner  space  on  one  table  were  the 
figures  25;  the  next  20;  then  came  15,  10  and  5.  On 
the  next  table  the  inner  space  was  marked  30,  and  each  of 
the  other  spaces  5 less.  On  the  third  and  last  table  the 
inner  circle  was  marked  50,  and  each  of  the  others  5 less. 

Each  player  was  given  a top,  made  from  a spool,  and  all 
the  guests  took  turns  spinning  the  tops  on  the  table  having 
the  lowest  figures.  When  the  top  ceased  spinning  the 
player  was  credited  with  the  number  on  which  the  point 
of  the  top  rested.  As  soon  as  a player  had  twenty-five  to 
his  credit  he  advanced  to  the  next  higher  table.  There 
he  must  win  fifty  points  before  he  could  pass  on  to  the 
highest  table.  When  he  had  won  a hundred  points  at  the 
third  table  he  was  obliged  to  begin  again  at  the  foot  table. 
The  top  must  not  be  touched  while  spinning.  Should  it 
drop  to  the  floor  the  player  must  make  ten  before  he  could 
begin  to  count  again.  Should  Ire  make  25  at  the  next 
trial  he  only  counted  15  ; but  he  had  a second  trial  when 
his  top  had  dropped  to  the  floor,  before  the  next  player 
spun  his  top. 

Each  player  had  a credit  card  tied  in  his  buttonhole 
upon  which  numbers  something  like  the  meal  tickets  issued 
at  restaurants  were  closely  written.  When  added  these 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  173 

numbers  should  make  500.  The  hostess  had  a punch 
with  which  she  cut  out  the  numbers  to  correspond  with 
those  won  by  the  player.  When  any  player  had  no  more 
numbers  on  his  card  he  was  declared  winner  and  the  game 
was  ended. 


SPINSTER  TEA 

Where  a party  of  girls  wish  to  have  an  evening  all  to 
themselves  the  “Spinster  Tea”  will  furnish  them  with 
much  merriment. 

As  this  sort  of  tea  should  be  quite  informal  the  invita- 
tions may  be  written  on  plain  white  note-paper,  as  follows  : 

“ Being  a spinster  in  good  standing  in  this  community 
you  are  cordially  invited  to  a i Spinster  Tea  1 on  Tuesday 
evening , November  twentieth , at  seven  o'  clock,  at  415  Madi- 
son Street.  You  are  requested  to  dress  in  character , and 
to  bring  with  you  an  old-fashioned  picture  of  a man  sup- 
posed to  have  been  refused  by  you.  Be  prepared  to  tell 
the  story  of  his  wooing  and  to  state  what  he  lacked  to  make 
him  pleasing  to  you . The  narrator  of  the  most  improbable 
story  will  be  given  a heart.  ’ 


When  the  evening  of  the  tea  comes,  and  the  guests  have 
all  been  introduced  one  to  another,  they  may  be  ushered 
into  the  dining-room  and  the  supper  be  served.  The 
dining-table  should  be  arranged  in  as  old-fashioned  a style 
as  possible.  At  the  four  corners  place  candlesticks  with 
wax  candles,  and  for  a centrepiece  have  a large  bouquet 
of  artificial  bachelors’  buttons.  Use  old-fashioned  china 
and  silver  if  you  happen  to  have  any.  At  each  place  put 
a few  bachelors’  buttons,  to  which  attach  a menu  card  by 
a narrow  white  taffeta  ribbon. 

The  refreshments  should  be  numbered  upon  the  menu 
cards,  and  each  guest  be  allowed  to  choose  one  number 


174  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

each  time  the  waitress  passes  around.  The  key  to  the 
menu  given  should  be  held  by  the  hostess  and  the  waitress. 
The  following  menu  was  recently  used  at  a u Spinster 


Tea 

” and  created  much  merriment : 

MENU 

KEY  TO  THE  MENU 

1. 

Always  in  pairs. 

1. 

Cup  and  saucer. 

2. 

Would  they  were  here. 

2. 

Jolly  boys. 

3* 

Front  curls. 

3- 

Curled  molasses  chips. 

4- 

Objects  of  envy. 

4- 

Preserved  pears  (pairs). 

5- 

Warranted  to  pop. 

5* 

Bottle  of  ginger  ale. 

6. 

A solace. 

6. 

Tea. 

7- 

Sadly  missed. 

7- 

Kisses. 

8. 

High-backed  comb. 

8. 

Honey  in  comb. 

9- 

Cause  of  woe. 

9* 

Spiced  tongue. 

10. 

Courtship. 

10. 

Mush. 

11. 

A lover. 

11. 

A spoon. 

12. 

A small  deceit. 

12. 

A plate. 

I3* 

Our  tears. 

J3- 

Salt. 

!4. 

Left  over. 

!4. 

Heart  (baked). 

After  all  have  partaken  of  refreshments  the  guests  should 
adjourn  to  the  parlor  where  a circle  may  be  formed,  and, 
beginning  at  the  left,  each  spinster  in  turn  may  exhibit  the 
picture  of  her  wooer,  and  relate  her  story.  Two  judges 
may  be  chosen  by  lot  to  decide  which  is  the  prize  story, 
and  a large  frosted  gingerbread  heart  may  constitute  the 
prize. 

STATE  ABBREVIATIONS 

1.  Which  is  the  most  religious  state?  (Mass.) 

2.  The  most  egotistical  ? (Me.) 

3.  Not  a state  for  the  untidy?  (Wash.) 

4.  The  most  Asiatic ? (Inch) 

5.  The  father  of  states?  (Pa.) 

6.  The  most  maidenly  ? (Miss.) 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  175 

7.  The  most  useful  in  haying  time?  (Mo.) 

8.  The  best  state  in  time  of  flood  ? (Ark.) 

9.  Decimal  state  ? (Tenn.) 

10.  State  of  astonishment  ? (La.) 

11.  State  of  exclamation  ? (O.) 

12.  State  to  cure  the  sick  ? (Md.) 

13.  Where  there  is  no  such  word  as  fail?  (Kan.) 

14.  The  most  unhealthy  state  ? (111.) 


STATE  FLOWERS 

In  case  it  is  desired  to  represent  the  various  states  of  the 
Union  by  floral  decorations,  the  following  list  is  given : 

Alabama — Goldenrod.  Nebraska — Goldenrod. 

Arkansas — Aster.  New  Jersey — State  tree, 

California — Columbine.  sugar  maple. 

Delaware — Peach  blossom.  New  York — -Rose  ; 

Idaho — Syringa.  State  tree,  maple. 

Iowa — Wild  rose.  Oklahoma  Territory — 

Maine — 1 Pine  cone  and  1 Mistletoe. 

tassel.  Oregon — Oregon  grape. 

Michigan — 1 Apple  blossom.  Rhode  Island — Violet ; 
Minnesota — Moccasin  State  tree,  maple. 

flower.  Vermont — Red  clover. 

Missouri — Goldenrod.  Washington — Rhododendron. 
Montana — Bitter  root. 


STATE  NICKNAMES 


Which  is  the  Hoosier  State?  (Indiana) 
The  Nutmeg  State  ? (Connecticut) 

The  Keystone  State  ? (Pennsylvania) 
The  Buckeye  State  ? (Ohio) 

The  Palmetto  State  ? (South  Carolina) 


Adopted  by  State  Legislature. 


176  Blight  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

The  Pine  Tree  State?  (Maine) 

The  Prairie  State  ? (Illinois) 

The  Sucker  State  ? (Illinois) 

The  Lone  Star  State  ? (Texas) 

The  Lumber  State  ? (Maine) 

The  Mother  of  States  ? (Virginia) 

The  Mother  of  Presidents  ? (Virginia) 

The  Old  Dominion  ? (Virginia) 

The  Old  North  State  ? (North  Carolina) 
The  Hawkeye  State?  (Iowa) 

The  Green  Mountain  State?  (Vermont) 

The  Granite  State?  (Vermont) 

The  Freestone  State?  (Connecticut) 

The  Empire  State?  (New  York) 

The  Diamond  State?  (Delaware) 

The  Creole  State  ? (Louisiana) 

The  Corn  Cracker  State  ? (Kentucky) 

The  Blue  Hen  State?  (Delaware) 

The  Bay  State  ? (Massachusetts) 


STATE  SOCIABLE 

Each  guest  on  arriving  should  be  presented  with  a white 
card  on  which  has  been  pasted  a picture  of  General  Wash- 
ington. These  need  not  all  be  alike — in  fact,  it  will  in- 
crease the  interest  in  the  cards  if  they  are  not ; any  picture 
of  our  first  President  may  be  used.  Small  ones  cut  from 
magazines  will  answer  the  purpose  admirably.  Beneath 
the  picture  have  the  date,  and  through  perforations  at  the 
top  of  the  cards  run  red,  white  and  blue  ribbon  hangers. 
On  the  reverse  of  each  of  the  first  thirteen  cards  given  out 
write  the  name  of  one  of  the  thirteen  original  States ; on 
the  next  thirteen  the  capital  of  each  of  these  States,  and 
on  the  next  thirteen  one  of  the  principal  cities  in  the  States. 
If  the  company  is  to  be  a large  one  the  forty-five  States  of 
the  Union  may  be  used  instead  of  the  original  thirteen. 

The  company  then  forms  into  State  groups — those  hold- 


l77 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

ing  cards  bearing  the  name  of  the  State  itself,  its  capital 
and  principal  city — and  each  group  agrees  which  product 
of  its  State  is  most  beneficial  to  the  greatest  number  of 
people.  When  a report  is  called  for,  a vote  is  taken  from 
all  present  as  to  which  product  is  most  essential  to  the 
welfare  of  the  nation  as  a whole.  Three  small  bouquets 
of  red  and  white  carnations  tied  with  blue  ribbon  will 
make  appropriate  rewards  for  the  three  supporters  of  the 
State  which  wins  distinction. 


ST.  PATRICK’S  DAY  PARTY 

Invitations  to  be  sent  out  as  follows  : 

You  are  invited  to  attend  a gathering 
of  the  Sons  and  Daughters  of  Erin 
at  the  home  of 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Patrick  O'  Rafferty, 

(Mr.  and  Mrs.  Herbert  B.  Linscott ), 

105  Southern  Avenue , Cleveland , 
on  St.  Patrick' s Day  in  the  evening. 

You  will  please  come  masked  and  representing  some 
Irish  lady  or  gentleman.  Each  guest  is  asked  to  furnish 
an  Irish  story , song  or  recitation . 

When  the  guests  arrive  their  assumed  names  are  written 
on  cards  and  pinned  on  each  one,  and  they  are  introduced 
to  the  company  under  these  names ; for  instance,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Dennis  McFadden,  or  Mr.  Martin  Dooly  and  Miss 
Maggie  Murphy.  Michael  O’Toole  might  go  as  a brick- 
layer. There  can  be  an  old  apple  woman  with  a basket 
of  apples  (which  could  be  sold  for  a penny  a piece  for  the 
treasury).  Mike  McGinnis  of  the  police  force  might  go 
as  an  Irish  policeman.  Widdy  Malony  and  her  daughter 
Nora,  the  priest,  Father  McCrary,  and  several  sisters  of 
charity  could  also  be  represented.  Let  every  one  enter 


178  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

into  the  fun  with  spirit.  Have  the  decorations  of  the  house 
all  green  and  have  each  one  wear  as  much  green  as  possi- 
ble. Tin  spoons  tied  with  green  ribbon  can  be  given  as 
souvenirs.  Have  an  Irish  potato  race.  Prizes  of  stick 
pins  in  Shamrock  designs  can  be  given  the  winners,  or 
potato  pincushions  tied  with  green  ribbons.  Have  green 
paper  napkins  which  can  be  made  from  green  tissue  paper. 
Animals  can  be  made  from  potatoes,  using  toothpicks  for 
legs  and  tails.  Have  each  guest  help  in  the  entertainment 
of  the  evening  by  an  Irish  song,  story  or  recitation. 

Refreshments  for  Irish  Party 

Wafers  tied  with  green  ribbon 
Olives  Pickles 

Irish  potato  chips  served  on  lettuce  leaves 
Green  tea 

Lady  fingers  tied  with  green  ribbon 

Green  ribbon  candy  % 


ST.  PATRICK'S  GUESSING  CONTEST 

(Something  green.) 

1.  Name  of  a celebrated  poet.  (John  Greenleaf 
Whittier) 

2.  Name  of  a celebrated  authoress.  (Grace  Green- 
wood) 

3.  Child’s  artist.  (Kate  Greenaway) 

4.  Revolutionary  officer.  (General  Greene) 

5.  Pennsylvania  city.  (Greensburg) 

6.  Cold  country.  (Greenland) 

7.  Western  bay.  (Green  Bay) 

8.  Emigrant.  (Green  horn) 

9.  Domestic  fruit.  (Green  gage  plum) 

10.  Large  burial  place.  (Greenwood  cemetery) 

11.  Legal  tender.  (Greenback) 

12.  A variety  of  apples.  (Greening) 

13.  A place  for  growing  plants.  (Green  house) 


*79 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

14.  A part  of  a theatre.  (Green  room) 

15.  A harmless  stimulant.  (Green  tea) 

16.  A famous  town  in  Kentucky.  (Bowling  Green) 

17.  Children’s  game.  (Green  gravel) 

18.  Another  name  for  jealousy.  (Green  eyed  mon- 
ster) 

19.  A country  place  near  Pittsburg.  (Green  Tree) 

20.  A flourishing  tree  in  the  Bible.  (Green  bay) 

21.  Title  of  an  Irish  song.  (Wearing  of  the  Green) 

22.  Another  name  for  verdure.  (Greenery) 

23.  An  article  of  dessert.  (Grenoble  walnuts) 

24.  A beautiful  hamlet  near  Allegheny.  (Evergreen) 


TELEGRAM  PARTY 

To  interest  guests  who  have  a sense  of  humor  and 
thoroughly  enjoy  a little  quick  thinking  you  can  easily  in- 
vent new  games  or  adapt  and  add  novel  accessories  to 
some  older  idea,  such  as,  for  instance,  “ A Telegram 
Party.” 

For  this  party  write  your  invitations  on  telegram  blanks, 
and  let  your  refreshments  be  served  not  by  a maid  (who 
never  enjoys  extra  work),  but  by  one  or  more  boys  dressed 
as  telegraph  messengers.  They  will  delight  in  their  re- 
sponsibility and  will  help  you  in  many  ways. 

Let  the  boys  also  pass  to  each  person  a pencil  and  a 
telegram  blank,  on  which  are  to  be  written  ten  letters, 
dictated  at  random  by  ten  guests  in  turn.  These  letters 
each  player  must  manage  to  use  as  the  initials  of  ten  words 
following  in  such  order  as  to  form  an  intelligible  telegram. 
None  of  these  initials  can  be  used  for  address  or  signature, 
but  otherwise  no  limit  is  placed  upon  the  ingenuity  of  the 
writer. 

Then  let  the  messengers  collect  the  blanks,  and  after  the 
hostess  has  read  all  the  amusing  results  let  a vote  be  taken 
for  the  cleverest  message  and  a prize  be  awarded  to  the 
sender. 


180  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

Of  course,  the  entertainment  can  be  extended  by  writ- 
ing any  number  of  telegrams  or  varied  by  requiring  that 
each  set  of  telegrams  refer  to  some  assigned  subject. 


TENNIS  SOCIABLE 

Write  invitations  on  small  white  cardboard  racquets. 
Decorate  the  walls  with  tennis  racquets  and  nets.  Have 
tennis  racquets  hung  from  each  chandelier,  and  stretch  a 
large  net  across  the  room.  Place  in  this  net  red  and  white 
racquets  of  pasteboard,  each  tied  to  several  yards  of  red 
and  white  ribbon,  and  have  them  all  tangled  up.  The  ob- 
ject is  to  wind  up  the  string  on  the  racquets,  and  secure  as 
many  as  possible  without  breaking  the  ribbon.  The  com- 
mittee should  wear  red  belts  with  seven  red  streamers, 
each  containing  a letter,  and  spelling  the  word  “"welcome.” 
Place  welcome  mottoes  about  the  room  and  pinned  upon 
the  racquets  and  nets.  Red  and  white  flowers  of  all  kinds 
can  be  used  for  decorations.  Take  small  pasteboard 
racquets,  write  quotations  on,  cut  in  half  and  give  one-half 
to  the  ladies  and  the  other  half  to  the  gentlemen,  and  have 
them  match  the  quotations. 

Refreshments  can  be  passed  in  regular  tennis  racquets  ; in 
summer,  lemonade  and  wafers,  or  in  winter,  hot  coffee  and 
cake. 

Red  and  white  decorated  racquets  can  be  given  the  guests 
as  they  leave,  for  souvenirs. 


TEN  VIRGINS  (SACRED  PLAY) 

Select  ten  young  ladies  who  are  good  singers — six 
sopranos  and  four  altos.  Divide  into  two  groups,  three 
sopranos  and  two  altos  in  each  group.  Have  all  dress  in 
long  white  robes  and  each  carry  a candle.  Five  should 
have  lighted  candles  and  five  not  lighted.  Have  all  be- 
hind a curtain  and  before  they  appear  have  the  whole  ten 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  181 

sing  the  hymn,  “ Be  robed  and  ready  when  the  bride- 
groom comes.”  This  can  be  found  in  any  sacred  song 
book.  Have  a small  room  curtained  off  on  one  end  of 
platform.  While  singing  the  last  verse,  “ We’ll  all  go 
forth  to  meet  Him  when  He  comes,  ” the  five  with  candles 
lighted  will  march  forth  from  behind  the  curtain  and  pass 
across  the  platform  into  the  small  room.  They  go  in  and 
the  door  is  shut.  The  other  five  virgins  come  forth  with 
no  light  and  pass  across  the  platform  silently,  and  knock  at 
the  door,  but  they  cannot  get  in.  The  five  foolish  virgins 
then  sing,  “Oh;  let  us  in,  the  night  is  dark  and  chill, ” 
and  the  five  wise  virgins  who  have  passed  in  will  answer, 
using  the  chorus  of  the  same  hymn,  “Too  late,  too  late, 
ye  cannot  enter  now.”  This  is  found  in  Methodist 
Hymnal,  No.  375.  The  five  foolish  virgins  ask  the  ques- 
tions contained  in  each  verse  and  the  five  wise  ones  an- 
swer with  the  “Too  late.” 


THANKSGIVING  DAY  DECORATIONS 

Great  cornstalks,  with  the  husk  merely  turned  back  to 
show  the  yellow  ear,  are  extremely  effective.  A huge 
bunch  of  these  on  either  side  of  the  drawing-room  door 
will  take  the  place  of  palms.  They  may  also  be  placed  at 
the  entrance  to  the  dining-room,  their  sentinel-like  appear- 
ance making  them  charming  as  a doorway  decoration. 
Here  and  there  great  pumpkins,  hollowed  out  to  admit  of 
the  flower-pot  with  its  growing  green,  make  unique  jardi- 
nieres. A bunch  of  corn,  where  the  ear  is  red,  tied  by 
means  of  a bow  of  yellow  ribbon  to  the  chandelier,  admits 
of  the  same  suggestion  as  the  mistletoe  of  Christmas  time, 
and  makes  a pretty  spot  of  color,  besides  being  the  cause 
of  much  quiet  fun. 

A pretty  feature  is  to  have  a pumpkin  table  brought  in 
during  the  refreshments  and  hold  a guessing  contest,  which 
gives  an  opportunity  for  much  merriment  and  for  the  giv- 
ing of  prizes  to  the  lucky  guessers. 


182  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

This  table  should  be  arranged  as  follows : Upon  a small, 
highly  polished  table  (mahogany  is  perhaps  the  richest  in 
effect),  place  a dainty,  embroidered  centrepiece,  and  set 
upon  this  a large  pumpkin,  either  on  a silver  dish  or  rest- 
ing directly  on  the  white  linen.  This  pumpkin  should  be 
hollowed  out,  as  the  others,  leaving  only  its  yellow  shell, 
the  pumpkin  holding  an  assortment  of  fruit,  luscious  and 
beautiful — highly  polished  red-cheeked  apples,  oranges,  ba- 
nanas and  grapes ; trailing  here  and  there  among  them  a 
few  red  leaves,  or  if  they  can  be  obtained,  a spray  of  wild 
clematis,  of  bitter-sweet,  or  of  smilax. 

The  guests  are  told  that  underneath  the  fruit  lies  some- 
thing suggestive  of  nature’s  ways,  and  therefore  of  the  oc- 
casion and  that  they  are  to  guess  what  it  may  be  and  how 
much  of  it  there  may  be. 

The  guesses  will  be  many  and  varied.  The  fruit-dish 
may  be  passed,  the  fruit  disposed  of,  and  underneath  will 
be  found  the  pumpkin’s  seeds,  which  have  been  gathered 
together.  The  prize  for  the  guest  that  guesses  the  nearest 
can  be  a little  horn-of-plenty  drinking  glass.  If  one  wishes 
to  give  souvenirs  of  the  occasion,  charming  little  pencils 
can  be  obtained  that  have  the  lead  appearing  from  a 
miniature  ear  of  corn.  This  feature,  however,  is  quite  urn 
necessary. 

THANKSGIVING  FOOTBALL  DINNER 

The  following  is  a description  of  a novel  dinner  recently 
given  a party  of  twelve  football  enthusiasts  on  Thanks- 
giving Day. 

While  the  ladies  were  up-stairs  removing  their  wraps,  a 
maid  came  in  with  a tray  on  which  were  six  wishbones, 
each  having  tied  to  it  a knot  of  ribbon  of  one  of  the  differ- 
ent college  colors.  Of  these  they  were  to  take  their 
choice,  according  to  the  college  or  university  they  pre- 
ferred. Meanwhile  the  gentlemen  down-stairs  had  been 
presented  with  ribbon  rosettes,  and  as  these  matched  the 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  183 

ribbons  on  the  wishbones  they  easily  found  the  ladies 
whom  they  were  to  take  in  to  dinner. 

When  the  company  entered  the  dining-room  they  found 
that  the  decorations  were  in  perfect  harmony  with  the  char- 
acter of  the  game  which  they  had  just  witnessed.  Chry- 
santhemums, which  are  considered  a necessary  accompani- 
ment of  a football  game,  were  everywhere.  A yellow 
jardiniere  filled  with  ragged  beauties  in  red  and  bronze 
stood  in  the  centre  of  the  table,  while  a single  long- 
stemmed flower  was  laid  beside  each  plate.  There  were 
also  chrysanthemums  in  vases  on  the  mantel  and  sideboard. 
The  favors,  or  “ mascots,  ” of  the  dinner  were  small  tur- 
key-gobblers of  papier-mache  containing  the  bonbons. 

A feature  of  the  dinner  enjoyed  almost  as  much  as  the 
feast  itself  was  the  novel  form  of  the  menus.  These  were 
written  on  two  opposite  pages  of  dainty  booklets,  the  out- 
side covers  of  which  were  decorated  with  characteristic 
football  sketches  accompanied  by  appropriate  quotations. 
These  were  so  unique  and  apropos  to  the  occasion  that 
each  guest  carried  his  home  as  a souvenir  when  he  left  at 
the  end  of  the  evening’s  entertainment.  Instead  of  being 
separated  into  the  usual  courses,  the  menu  was  divided, 
like  a football  game,  into  a first  and  second  half,  with  an 
intermission  between,  and  was  arranged  to  read  somewhat 
like  a football  program,  giving  in  outline  the  particulars  of 
a game,  the  various  terms  and  expressions  in  which  de- 
scribed the  names  of  the  viands.  The  following  is  an  illus- 
tration, except  that  in  the  original  the  names  of  the  differ- 
ent articles  were  omitted,  a word  in  parenthesis  giving  a 
hint  where  the  meaning  seemed  doubtful : 

First  Half 

I.  The  spectators  arrive  and  discuss  the  “ points*  ’ 
(blue)  of  the  game. 

Blue  Points 

II.  A tally-ho  “ bowls  ” in  with  the  football  team,  said 
to  be  “superior.”  The  players  enter  the  field  with  great 


184  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

“celerity,”  the  small  boys  enthusiastically  declaring  them 
to  be  “ crackers.” 

Celery  Soup  Crackers 

III.  Play  begins  with  “ a fair  catch  taken  on  the  fly.” 

Fish 

IV.  A “ foul  (fowl)  tackle.” 

Turkey 

“ Pease”  follows  a “runner,”  but  “ Murphy  ” inter- 
feres and  “beats  ” him  off. 

Peas  Squash  Potatoes  Beets 

V.  The  game  at  the  end  of.  the  first  half  is  distin- 
guished by  the  fine  playing  of  the  “ backs”  (canvas). 

Canvasback  Ducks 

Intermission 

During  the  intermission  the  “ heads  ” of  several  players, 
young  and  green,  bruised  in  the  mix-up,  receive  a “ dress- 
ing” down. 

Lettuce  Salad 
Second  Half 

I.  The  wedge,  or  V -shaped,  play  is  tried. 

Pie — Mince  and  Pumpkin 

II.  Followed  by  disastrous  results,  necessitating  a call 
for  “sponge”  and  “ice.” 

Sponge  Cake  Ice  Cream 

III.  The  “fruits”  of  faithful  training  are  manifest. 
A “ bunch  of  purples  ” go  down  before  a single  “ orange.” 
“Bartlett”  and  “Nellis,”  a fine  pair  (pear),  become 
“ candidates  ” for  great  honor,  “ raisin’  ” cheers  of  delight 
from  the  spectators  by  circling  the  ends,  who  are  “nut” 
what  they  are  “cracked  ” up  to  be. 

Fruit — Grapes  Oranges  Pears  Candied  Dates 
Raisins  Nuts 

IV.  The  cup  is  presented. 

Coffee 

V.  Everybody  leaves  the  grounds. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  185 

Although  the  above  may  seem  a little  far-fetched  to  an 
authority  on  football,  the  guests  were  not  over-critical, 
and  the  novel  menu  proved  a great  source  of  entertainment, 
keeping  them  wondering  and  speculating  between  the 
courses  as  to  what  was  coming  next.  Some  of  the  guests 
supposed  the  “ bruised  heads  ” to  be  those  of  the  cabbage, 
it  having  apparently  escaped  their  minds  that  there  was 
such  a thing  as  head-lettuce.  Others  failed  to  see  the  con- 
nection between  squash  and  “ runner”  until  reminded  of 
the  fact  that  squash  grows  on  a vine  running  along  the 
ground,  while  a smile  went  around  the  table  as  one  by  one, 
after  concluding  that  coffee  was  referred  to  in  “ The  cup  is 
presented,”  discovered,  also,  the  double  meaning  in  the 
final  words  of  the  menu,  “ Everybody  leaves  the 
grounds.” 

A number  of  things  served  on  the  table,  such  as  cran- 
berries, jellies,  olives,  etc.,  were  not  named  in  the  menu, 
owing  to  the  difficulty  of  expressing  them  in  football  lan- 
guage. 

After  dinner  there  was  much  fun  and  merriment  over 
pulling  the  wishbones,  the  ladies  having  offered  to  break 
theirs  with  the  gentlemen  attending  them  at  dinner.  Later 
the  guests  gathered  around  the  open  fireplace,  cracking 
nuts,  telling  stories,  and  having  a good  time  generally. 
When  the  time  came  for  them  to  depart  they  voted  the 
Thanksgiving  dinner  of  which  they  had  just  partaken 
the  most  unique  to  which  they  had  ever  sat  down. 


THANKSGIVING  SOCIABLE 

How  surprised  every  one  was  at  the  changed  appearance 
of  the  Sunday-school  room  ! All  the  chairs  had  been  re- 
moved and  at  various  places  stood  great  shocks  of  corn. 
Upon  the  wall  were  hung  red  berries  and  bright-hued 
autumn  leaves,  garlands  of  which  may  be  easily  made  if 
the  leaves  are  gathered  as  they  fall,  waxed,  pressed,  and 
strung  on  strong  threads.  In  the  centre  of  the  room  was 


i86  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

arranged  a large  semicircular  divan  made  of  pew- cushions 
covered  with  dark,  richly-colored  draperies.  There  were 
a number  of  sofa-pillows  heaped  upon  the  divan.  The 
room  was  dark  save  for  the  light  which  glimmered  from 
hideous-faced  pumpkin  lanterns. 

The  committee  in  charge  welcomed  the  guests  and  invited 
them  to  be  seated  in  the  charmed  circle.  The  first  thing 
that  met  their  gaze  was  an  immense  pile  of  corn  on  the  cob. 
Over  this,  standing  on  three  legs,  was  a goblin  pumpkin 
with  three  pairs  of  glaring  eyes,  three  noses  and  three  large 
mouths.  A hush  fell  upon  the  company,  while  here  aild 
there  could  be  heard  a suppressed  giggle.  Suddenly  a 
chorus  of  girls’  voices  broke  out  in  a bright  autumn  song 
to  enliven  the  drooping  spirits  of  the  guests. 

No  sooner  had  their  fears  been  somewhat  allayed  than  a 
spectral  figure  approached  from  behind  a curtain  and  sat 
down  by  the  heap  of  corn.  All  held  their  breath  as  it 
slowly  reached  out  its  hand  and  pulled  an  ear  of  corn  from 
the  pile,  gazed  at  a tag  which  was  fastened  to  it  by  a rib- 
bon, read  the  name  of  some  one  who  was  present,  and 
threw  that  person  the  ear  of  corn,  demanding  in  a deep, 
thrilling  voice,  “ A ghost  story.”  It  is  needless  to  describe 
the  quaking  and  shivering  while  the  story  was  being  told. 
The  dashing  piano  solo  which  followed  was  fully  appreci- 
ated. 

A second  ghost  story  was  demanded  in  like  manner  as 
the  first,  after  which  came  singing,  more  stories,  and  music. 
Then  one  of  the  girls,  who  could  recite  well,  stood  facing 
the  company,  with  a background  of  curtains,  and  gave 
Whittier’s  poem,  “The  Pumpkin,”  When  she  reached 
the  last  stanza  the  curtains  back  of  her  were  drawn,  as  jf 
by  spirits,  disclosing  a long  table  covered  with  a snowy 
cloth,  upon  which  were  piles  of  doughnuts,  pumpkin  pies, 
cheese  and  cups  of  steaming  coffee.  Every  one  gave  an 
exclamation  of  surprise  at  the  sight,  and  refreshments  were 
served  amidst  much  fun  and  laughter. 

The  sociable  closed  with  gifts  of  a pie  apiece  to  each 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  187 

person  contributing  to  the  entertainment,  and  an  ear  of 
corn,  tied  with  bright  ribbon,  to  each  guest. 

In  order  to  have  the  ghost  stories  a success  the  committee 
arranging  the  program  had  selected  them  beforehand. 

A great  deal  of  the  success  of  the  entertainment  was  due 
to  the  fact  that  its  nature  had  been  kept  secret,  and,  curi- 
osity having  been  aroused,  an  unusually  large  number  of 
people  attended. 

TRANSPLANTING  TREES 

Pass  slips  of  paper  around  with  the  names  of  different 
trees,  all  in  capital  letters,  but  not  spelled  in  order ; for 
instance,  Y-H-O-K-R-I-C,  which  when  transplanted  will 
spell  the  name  Hickory,  A suitable  prize  can  be  given 
the  one  who  succeeds  in  transplanting  the  greatest  number 
of  trees. 


TREE  GUESSING  CONTEST 

1.  A solid,  tenacious,  easily-moulded  substance,  and  * 
a part  of  the  hand. 

2.  A ruminant  quadruped  of  the  feminine  gender. 

3.  To  show  grief,  and  a machine  in  which  cotton, 
wool,  or  flax  is  opened  and  cleansed. 

4.  Neat,  without  elegance  or  dignity. 

5.  Ill,  ill,  ill. 

6.  A nickname,  a vowel  and  an  external  covering. 

7.  Used  for  puddings  and  a part  of  the  hand. 

8.  A near  and  dear  relative. 

9.  A vegetable  and  a Scottish  word  denoting  posses- 
sion. 

10.  A partner,  came  together,  and  a part  of  the  human 
body. 

11.  A green  muskmelon  pickled. 

12.  A drink,  and  a lineal  measure. 

13.  A coat  or  covering. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 


188 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 


Wax  palm. 

8. 

Paw-paw. 

Yew. 

9- 

Plantain. 

Weeping  willow. 

10. 

Palmetto. 

Spruce. 

11. 

Mango. 

Sycamore. 

12. 

Cocoa  palm. 

Tamarind. 

Sago  palm. 

*3- 

Fir. 

TREE  PARTY 


For  a June  entertainment  nothing  could  be  more  suitable 
than  a tree  party,  for  at  this  season  the  new  leaves  are  all 
out  and  everything  looks  fresh  and  green.  Trim  the  house 
with  branches  and  blossoms,  having  as  many  varieties  of 
trees  represented  as  possible.  When  all  the  guests  have 
arrived,  give  to  each  one  a strip  of  cardboard  (having  a 
pencil  tied  to  it  with  a bit  of  green  ribbon)  upon  which 
are  written  the  following  questions  for  them  to  answer : 


I.  What’s  the  social  tree, 

1. 

Pear.  Tea. 

2.  And  the  dancing  tree, 

And  the  tree  that  is  nearest  the  sea  ? 

2. 

Hop. 

3- 

Beech. 

4.  The  daintiest  tree, 

4- 

Spruce. 

5.  And  the  kissable  tree, 

5- 

Tulip.  Yew. 

And  the  tree  where  ships  may  be  ? 

6. 

Bay. 

7.  What’s  the  telltale  tree, 

7- 

Peach. 

8.  And  the  traitor’s  tree, 

8. 

Judas. 

And  the  tree  that’s  the  warmest  clad  ? 

9- 

Fir. 

10.  The  languishing  tree, 

10. 

Pine. 

11.  The  chronologist’s  tree, 

11. 

Date. 

And  the  tree  that  makes  one  sad  ? 

12. 

Weeping 

Willow. 

13.  What’s  the  emulous  tree, 

I3- 

Ivy. 

14.  The  industrious  tree, 

14. 

Spindle-tree. 

And  the  tree  that  will  never  stand  still  ? 

I5- 

Caper. 

16.  The  unhealthiest  tree, 

16. 

Sycamore,, 

17.  The  Egyptian-plague  tree, 

i7- 

Locust. 

And  the  tree  neither  up  nor  down  hill  ? 

18. 

Plane. 

Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  189 


19.  The  contemptible  tree,  19. 

20.  The  most  yielding  tree,  20. 

21.  And  the  tree  that  bears  a curse  ? 21. 

22.  The  reddish  brown  tree,  22. 

23.  The  reddish  blue  tree,  23. 

24,  And  the  tree  like  an  Irish  nurse  ? 24. 

25.  What  is  the  tree 

That  makes  each  townsman  flee  ? 25. 

26.  And  what  round  itself  doth  entwine  ? 26. 

27.  What’s  the  housewife’s  tree,  27. 

28.  And  the  fisherman’s  tree,  28. 

29.  What  by  cockneys  is  turned  into  wine  ? 29. 

30.  What’s  the  tree  that  got  up,  30. 

31.  And  the  tree  that  was  lazy,  31. 

32,  And  the  tree  that  guides  ships  to  go  forth  ? 32. 

33.  The  tree  that’s  immortal,  33. 

34.  The  trees  that  are  not,  34. 

35,  And  the  tree  whose  wood  faces  the  north  ? 35. 

36.  The  tree  in  a bottle,  36. 

37.  The  tree  in  a fog,  37. 

38.  And  what  each  must  become  ere  he’s  old  ? 38. 

39.  The  tree  of  the  people,  39. 

40.  The  traveler’s  tree,  40. 

41.  And  the  sad  tree  when  schoolmasters  hold  ? 41. 

42.  What’s  the  tree  that  has  passed  through 

the  fiery  heat,  42. 

43.  That  half-given  to  doctors  when  ill  ? 43. 

44.  The  tree  that  we  offer  to  friends  when  we 

meet  ? 44. 

45.  And  the  tree  we  may  use  as  a quill  ? 45. 

46.  What’s  the  tree  that  in  death  will  benight  46. 
you  ? 

47.  And  the  tree  that  your  wants  will  47. 
supply  ? 

48.  And  the  tree  that  to  travel  invites  you,  48. 

49.  And  the  tree  that  forbids  you  to  die  ? 49. 

Then  the  following  game  may  be  played  : 
Pin  a slip,  containing  the  name  of  some 
back  of  each  person  present. 


Medlar,  [ber. 
India-rub- 
Fig.  Damson. 
Chestnut. 
Lilac. 

Honey- 

suckle. 

Citron. 

Woodbine. 

Broom. 

Basswood. 

Vine. 

Rose. 

Satin.  Aloe. 
(H)elm. 
Arbor-vitse. 
Dyewoods. 
Southern- 
wood. 
Cork.  [Hazel. 
Smoketree. 
Elder. 

Poplar,  [tree 

Wayfaring 

Birch. 


Ash. 

Coffee. 

Palm. 

Aspen. 

Deadly 

nightshade.. 

Breadfruit. 

Orange. 

Olive. 


tree,  on  the 


190  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

Questions  may  be  asked  concerning  it,  which  will  give 
a clue  to  the  wearer,  who  is  to  guess  the  tree  he  is  sup- 
posed to  represent. 

As  fast  as  each  one  is  guessed,  the  slip  is  taken  off  the 
back  and  pinned  on  the  breast.  Allow  fifteen  minutes  for 
each  person  to  write  an  original  poem  on  the  tree  he  repre- 
sents. Judges  are  appointed  to  select  the  best  poem,  and 
a suitable  prize  can  be  awarded. 


TREE  POOL 

That  the  guests  may  choose  partners,  give  out  cards  of 
red,  green,  yellow,  and  brown  cardboard  cut  in  the  shape 
of  leaves, — maple,  elm,  oak,  etc.  There  should,  of  course, 
be  but  two  leaves  of  the  same  shape  and  color,  one  of  each 
being  passed  to  the  ladies,  the  corresponding  ones  to  the 
men.  The  game  is  played  in  the  usual  way  where  there 
is  a pool  of  letters,  except  that  the  words  made  must  be 
only  the  names  of  trees  or  shrubs.  For  those  who  may 
not  be  altogether  familiar  with  the  game,  the  rules  are  that 
each  one  in  turn  draws  a letter  from  the  pool,  then  tries 
by  transposing  one  of  his  opponent’s  words  to  use  this 
letter,  and  so  make  a new  word  for  himself.  Plurals  are 
not  considered  new  words.  If  one  cannot  use  the  letter 
to  draw  from  his  opponent’s,  or  in  his  own  list,  it  is  thrown 
back,  and  the  turn  passes  to  the  next.  If,  however,  the 
letter  is  used,  the  player  has  another  turn.  When  either 
couple  at  the  head  table  have  made  ten  words,  the  bell  is 
rung  and  the  guests  score  and  progress  as  in  any  other 
game. 

When  supper  is  served,  have  the  table  decorated  with  a 
plant  standing  in  the  centre,  and  from  this  to  each  corner 
of  the  table  have  a row  of  Noah’s  Ark  trees,  which  can 
be  purchased  at  any  toy  shop.  Stand  one  of  these  on 
each  of  the  plates  as  they  are  passed  to  the  guests.  They 
will  make  very  attractive  souvenirs  of  the  occasion. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  191 

TROLLEY  PARTY 

The  guests  invited  to  our  trolley  party  were  twenty  in 
number.  When  all  had  assembled,  cards  with  pencils 
attached  were  given  them,  after  which  the  hostess  an- 
nounced that  the  trip  would  take  half  an  hour,  that  the 
conductor  would  ring  his  bell  for  start  and  finish,  but  that 
the  guests  must  prove  their  familiarity  with  the  names  of 
the  streets,  which  were  represented  on  cards  scattered 
through  the  rooms — pinned  to  curtains,  table-covers,  pin- 
cushions, etc.  Carnations  were  given  to  the  one  guessing 
correctly  the  greatest  number  of  streets,  a tiny  bank  and 
a new  penny  to  the  one  having  the  least. 

The  cards  were  as  follows : 

A Trolley  Ride — St.  Louis  to  Kirkwood 

1.  Abraham’s  wife. 

2.  What  idols’  feet  are  often  made  of. 

3.  Stop  here  when  hungry. 

4.  Always  owns  a goose. 

5.  Dear  to  our  hearts  though  sometimes  a “Rip.” 

6.  Brought  lightning  from  the  clouds. 

7.  A part  of  a door  and  what  doors  are  usually  made 
of. 

8.  A sombre  color. 

9.  Of  cherry-tree  fame. 

10.  A direction  of  the  compass  and  a preacher. 

11.  The  side  of  a tiny  stream. 

12.  One  of  the  discoverers  of  Pike’s  Peak. 

13.  A great  turn. 

14.  Associated  with  the  lower  regions. 

15.  The  highest  point 

16.  What  most  housewives  do  on  Monday. 

17.  A famous  summer  resort. 

18.  What  the  preacher  who  lisped  said  to  the  sinner. 

19.  Green,  and  dear  to  girlish  hearts. 

20.  Makes  a quick  fire. 


192  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

The  names  of  the  streets  represented  were  : 


1.  Sarah. 

2.  Clay. 

3.  Berry  Road. 

4.  Taylor. 

5.  Jefferson. 

6.  Franklin. 


7.  Lockwood. 

8.  Gray. 

9.  Washington. 

10.  Westminster. 

11.  Edgebrook. 

12.  Clark. 


1 9* 


Olive. 


13.  Big  Bend. 

14.  Sulphur. 

15.  Summit. 

1 6.  Wash. 

17.  Newport. 

18.  Prather 


20.  Pine. 


This  same  idea  could  be  carried  out  in  connection  with 
the  streets  of  any  other  town. 


UNIQUE  VALENTINE  PARTY 

The  invitations  requested  that  each  guest  appear  in  cos- 
tume and  masked.  This  was  the  keynote  of  the  affair. 
An  early  lunch  was  planned,  as  they  were  to  choose 
partners  while  still  masked,  and  naturally  they  would  wish 
to  remove  their  masks  after  that  form  of  the  entertainment 
had  flagged  a little. 

The  rooms  were  decorated  with  valentines  which  had 
accumulated  in  the  household  through  fourteen  years  and 
others  prepared  for  the  purpose. 

After  the  choice  of  partners,  masks  were  removed,  and 
all  marched  to  the  dining-room,  keeping  time  to  a pretty 
march. 

It  being  a birthday  party,  the  ever  new  feature,  the 
birthday  cake,  with  its  candles,  graced  the  centre  of  the 
table,  the  cake  being  white  decorated  with  red  hearts  and 
red  candles.  Three  kinds  of  small  cakes  and  wafers  (all 
heart-shaped),  a plate  of  each  at  either  end  of  the  table, 
made  up  that  part  of  the  refreshments.  Cocoa  in  small 
cups  and  ice  cream  in  heart-shaped  molds  completed  the 
repast.  Confectionery  in  the  predominating  color  and 
shape  was  also  on  the  table. 


193 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

The  table  decorations  consisted  of  red  carnations,  ferns 
and  smilax,  and  were  added  to  by  the  souvenirs  which 
were  laid  at  the  left  of  each  plate.  These  were  prepared 
by  our  family  artist  for  the  occasion,  and  were  red,  heart- 
shaped  affairs  with  gold  borders,  in  the  centre  a small 
sketch  in  oil,  below  a line  of  poetry,  and  each  one  num- 
bered. These  were  connected  by  ribbon  (running  to  the 
centre  of  the  table)  to  buttonhole  bouquets,  carnations  and 
smilax,  which  with  ferns  formed  the  flat  centrepiece.  At 
the  ends  as  many  as  were  convenient  were  arranged  around 
the  end  dishes.  Much  merriment  was  created  by  some 
reading  the  lines  on  their  souvenirs. 

Upon  leaving  the  table  each  guest  adjusted  the  ribbon 
about  her  neck,  which  brought  the  bouquet  to  its  proper 
place  “ across  the  heart.’ ’ After  returning  to  the  parlors 
the  guests  were  requested  to  read  the  lines  which  they  had 
found  upon  their  souvenirs,  and  of  which  some  had  been 
wondering  the  meaning ; by  beginning  with  No.  i and 
reading  in  rotation  a well-known  poem  was  completed.  As 
you  will  see,  this  form  of  amusement,  with  the  char- 
acter representations,  goes  far  toward  an  evening’s  enter- 
tainment. Young  people  consider  a party  incomplete 
without  a prize  winning  contest  of  some  sort.  The  one  I 
will  describe  was  adopted. 

Pencils  and  slips  of  paper  were  distributed,  each  bear- 
ing the  name  of  a book  or  song,  and  numbered;  then 
pieces  of  drawing  paper  were  handed  around,  the  first 
slips  being  collected,  and  each  person  was  requested  to 
make  a drawing  representing  the  book  or  song,  and  put- 
ting his  number  on  it.  These  were  gathered  and  pinned 
up  for  exhibition.  The  best  drawing  won  a prize.  Then 
the  person  that,  upon  inspecting  the  drawings,  could  give 
correctly  the  names  of  the  most  books  or  songs  they  repre- 
sented (more  paper  being  passed  for  this  purpose)  received 
a prize. 

The  remainder  of  the  evening  was  filled  in  by  music, 
singing  and  games  of  the  guests’  own  choosing.  When 


194  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

the  time  of  departure  came,  all  wished  they  might  enjoy 
it  “ all  over  again.” 

UNIVERSITY  LUNCHEON 

A Yale  luncheon  given  last  Christmastide  was  a brilliant 
success.  The  ideas  may  be  utilized  for  the  entertainment 
of  students  from  any  college,  merely  changing  the  colors. 

Our  decision  was  to  have  no  flowers,  not  even  a palm, 
and  to  keep  the  entire  house  in  harmony  of  coloring.  For- 
tunately for  our  scheme,  every  room  had  a quiet  gray  or 
bluish  paper,  and  in  carpets,  furniture  and  hangings  there 
was  not  a touch  of  color  that  would  clash  with  the  blue  of 
Yale.  Our  first  bit  of  luck  was  the  loan  of  a huge  bundle 
of  Yale  flags  and  bunting  from  the  College  Men’s  club. 
A flag,  with  a great  white  “Yale”  on  it,  we  stretched 
across  one  end  of  the  sitting  room,  another,  as  immense  as 
a campaigning  banner,  draped  the  west  wall  of  the  dining- 
room. The  stairs  were  garlanded  with  blue  bunting,  and 
all  over  the  house  fluttered  little  class  flags  bearing  dates 
that  ran  from  ’8o  to  ’05.  We  allowed  bunches  of  mistle- 
toe tucked  cunningly  under  gas  fixtures.  Holly  was  out 
of  the  question ; it  would  have  suggested  Harvard. 

Serving  luncheon  at  one  was  an  innovation,  but  an  ex- 
cellent one.  When  the  dishes  were  cleared  away  the 
anxiety  was  over,  and  the  hostess  moved  about  among  her 
guests  without  a thought  of  a meal  to  be  served  at  the  end 
of  the  games.  We  set  ten  small  tables,  three  in  the  dining- 
room, four  in  the  sitting-room,  two  in  the  parlor  and  one 
in  the  hall.  The  tables  were  snowily  linened,  there  were 
doilies  in  blue  and  white,  and  the  centrepiece  on  each  table 
was  a glass  dish  filled  with  small  bunches  of  splendid  blue 
and  white  grapes.  There  was  nothing  blue  to  be  found  in 
the  fruit  or  flower  kingdom  except  these,  and  the  coloring 
was  superb.  All  the  dishes  we  used  were  handsome  old- 
fashioned  willow  ware,  solid  dark  blue,  or  mottled  blue 
china. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  195 


VALENTINE  ENTERTAINMENT 

Two  dozen  couples  make  a very  goodly  company  of 
young  folks  for  a pleasant  little  evening ; therefore,  send 
out  invitations  to  that  number.  The  cards  of  invitation 
might  have  on  them,  either  in  India  ink  or  water-colors, 
an  arrow-pierced  heart,  a whole  heart  or  a broken  one ; 
even  a cluster  of  them,  like  fishes  on  a string,  according 
to  the  pleasure  of  the  hostess.  For  each  of  the  twelve 
young  ladies  invited,  select  a role  that  she  will  im- 
personate ; for  instance,  we  will  say  that  the  twelve  char- 
acters to  be  represented  are  : 


1.  Queen  of  Hearts. 

2.  Gypsy. 

3.  Nun. 

4.  Bicycle  Girl. 

5.  Summer  Girl. 

6.  Colonial  Girl. 


7.  Poster  Girl. 

80  Widow. 

9.  Old  Maid. 

10.  Trained  Nurse. 

11.  Columbia. 

12.  Valentine. 


Number  twelve  can  be  either  a sentimental  or  a comic 
character.  If  the  latter,  a good  deal  of  amusement  may 
be  derived  by  getting  a younger  brother  or  some  mischiev- 
ous boy  to  represent  this  character.  Have  the  young  ladies 
gather  at  the  home  of  the  hostess  somewhat  earlier  than 
the  men  present  themselves,  and  when  the  latter  have  as- 
sembled in  the  parlors  pass  a tray  around  to  them  contain- 
ing a dozen  cards,  on  each  of  which  is  written  a couplet. 
These  couplets  are  suggestive  of  the  roles  the  young  ladies 
play,  and  each  gentleman  may  select  such  a couplet  as  he 
sees  fit.  When  all  the  cards  have  been  taken,  the  young 
men  in  rotation  read  aloud  the  couplet  each  has  chosen, 
and  after  the  reading  of  the  couplet  the  one  representing  it 
is  brought  into  the  parlor  by  the  hostess  and  introduced  to 
the  reader,  who  has  thus  chosen  her  as  his  valentine. 

Among  the  pleasant  features  of  the  supper  a “ Valentine 
cake  ” may  be  introduced  with  good  effect.  A nicely  iced 


196  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

cake,  decorated  with  candy  hearts  having  sentimental  mot- 
toes on  them,  should  be  divided  into  twenty-four  slices  be- 
fore it  is  brought  to  the  table.  In  the  slices  for  the  young 
girls  to  draw  make  a small  slit  with  the  sharp  blade  of  a 
knife,  and  insert  into  the  opening  a slip  of  paper  on  which 
is  written  the  name  of  some  young  man  who  is  present. 

In  those  slices  the  men  are  to  draw  are  such  small  articles 
as  denote  the  sort  of  wife  Fate  has  chosen  to  be  each  one’s 
partner  for  life.  Thus,  a silver  coin  signifies  wealth;  a 
scrap  of  silk,  a fashionable  wife ; a penny,  poverty ; a tiny 
spoon,  a good  housekeeper;  a pen,  a literary  woman;  a 
small  silver  heart,  a marriage  for  love ; a small  brush,  an 
artistic  wife ; a tiny  mirror,  a vain  woman ; a piece  of 
crape,  a widow,  etc. 

First  a young  lady  chooses  a slice  of  cake,  then  the  man 
whose  name  she  draws  selects  one  and  learns  the  kind  of 
life-partner  he  is  to  have.  Much  merriment  may  be  de- 
rived from  such  a cake. 


VALENTINE  FUN 

This  description  of  a Valentine  entertainment  will  be 
welcomed  by  those  who  desire  novel  and  original  ideas. 

We  were  received  in  a room  decorated  with  wreaths  of 
green,  hung  in  festoons  caught  up  at  regular  intervals  by 
ribbon  streamers.  From  the  centre  of  each  wreath  hung 
hearts  of  parchment  paper,  tinted  in  blue  and  lettered  in 
gold,  each  bearing  a number  and  a fate  or  fortune. 

Suspended  from  a portiere  rod  between  the  hall  and  re- 
ception room  were  three  hearts  formed  of  heavy  wire  and 
carefully  entwined  with  evergreen ; above  each  one  was  a 
jingle.  The  first  said  : 

Blow  your  bubble  right  through  here 
And  you’ll  be  married  before  another  year. 


Above  the  second  was : 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  197 

To  be  engaged  this  very  week 
Number  two  is  the  one  to  take. 

And  the  third  had  : 

A sad,  an  awful  fate  awaits  the  one  who  seeks  me, 

For  he  or  she  will  ever  a spinster  or  bachelor  be. 

On  a small  table  near  by  was  an  immense  bowl  filled 
with  sparkling  soapsuds,  and  also  clay  pipes  decorated  with 
little  blue  hearts. 

We  first  threw  the  bubbles  off  the  pipes  and  then  tried 
to  blow  them  through  the  hearts  with  pretty  little  fans 
which  were  presented  to  us ; none  of  us  found  this  easy  to 
do,  but  it  was  lots  of  fun,  even  if  after  all  our  efforts  we 
saw  our  bubble  float  through  number  three  instead  of  one 
or  two,  where  we  meant  it  to  go. 

After  this  came  a still  merrier  game.  A low  scrap- 
basket  was  placed  in  the  centre  of  the  room,  and  the  com- 
pany arranged  into  opposing  parties,  forming  two  half 
circles  around  the  basket.  Cardboard  hearts  in  two  differ- 
ent colors  were  given  the  sides,  an  equal  number  to 
each  side.  We  were  then  requested  to  try  to  throw  them 
in  the  basket,  and  all  endeavored  to  do  so,  but  found  they 
had  a tantalizing  way  of  landing  on  the  floor. 

When  we  had  exhausted  our  cards  those  in  the  basket 
were  counted,  and  the  side  having  the  most  of  its  own 
color  won  the  game. 

After  this  a small  blackboard  was  placed  on  an  easel  at 
one  end  of  the  room,  and  we  were  each  in  turn  blind- 
folded, and  handed  a piece  of  chalk  with  which  to  draw  an 
outline  of  a heart,  and  to  write  our  name  in  the  centre; 
the  one  doing  the  best  to  have  a prize  of  a large  candy 
heart. 

The  partners  for  supper  were  chosen  in  a novel  manner, 
the  men  being  numbered,  and  the  names  of  the  girls  written 
on  slips  of  paper,  rolled  in  clay  in  little  pellets,  then 
dropped  into  a bowl  of  water ; the  one  to  rise  first  be- 


198  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

longed  to  the  young  man  numbered  one,  and  so  on  until 
each  had  his  Valentine. 

A “ Good  Luck”  supper  was  served  in  an  adjoining 
room.  Directly  over  the  table,  suspended  from  the  chan- 
delier, hung  a floral  horseshoe.  In  the  centre  of  the  table 
and  at  each  end  were  fairy  lamps  surrounded  by  smaller 
horseshoes.  The  guest-cards  were  square  envelopes,  at 
one  side  a painted  horseshoe,  and  below,  “When  Good 
Luck  knocks  at  the  door  let  him  in  and  keep  him  there.” 
The  souvenirs  were  clover-leaf  stick  pins,  and  everything 
connected  with  the  supper  bore  a symbol  of  good  luck, 
the  bonbons,  cakes,  and  sandwiches  taking  the  forms  of 
either  a clover-leaf  or  a horseshoe. 

On  opening  the  envelopes,  we  found  an  amusing  valen- 
tine illustrated  by  a pen-and-ink  sketch,  showing  the  artistic 
skill  of  one  of  the  members  of  the  family. 

After  supper  a tray,  containing  as  many  numbers  as 
there  were  guests,  was  passed,,  and  we  each  took  a heart 
with  a corresponding  number  from  the  decorations  on  the 
wall  and  read  aloud  the  fortune  found  there.  These  were 
very  clever,  and  some  surprisingly  appropriate. 


VALENTINE  PARTY— DANISH 

The  “ Town  Club  ” was  surprised  by  receiving  white  cards 
decorated  with  cherry-colored  ribbon  and  Danish  Flag  in- 
viting them  to  a “Danish  Valentine  Party.”  The  pre- 
dominating colors  were  cherry  color  and  white,  being  the 
Danish  National  Colors.  Decorations  of  the  house  were  of 
cherry-colored  and  white  hearts  and  vinter-gjaek  (snow- 
drops), the  first  Danish  flower  of  the  season.  The  hearts 
were  strung  in  the  parlor,  reception-room  and  dining-room. 
The  archway  between  parlor  and  reception-room  was 
draped  with  the  American  and  Danish  Flags.  In  the  cen- 
tre of  each  room  hung  four  large-sized  hearts,  cherry-colored 
and  white,  with  a gilt  arrow  thrust  through.  In  the  dining- 
room the  hearts  were  strung  in  the  same  way,  the  lamp 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  199 

shade  being  of  cherry-colored  crepe  paper.  The  table 
was  decorated  with  vinter-gjaek. 

The  girls  wore  short  skirts  and  bodices  of  cherry-colored 
cambric  and  white  flannel  blouses  with  full  sleeves.  The 
hair  was  worn  in  two  braids,  crossed  and  tucked  into  the 
fronts  of  the  bodices  with  knots  of  vinter-gjaek  fastened 
into  each  braid  just  where  it  came  over  the  shoulder. 
The  boys  wore  dark  coats  and  trousers,  with  white  vests. 

At  the  door  was  placed  a box  for  valentines ; as  each 
guest  came  he  dropped  his  valentine  into  the  box  with  the 
name  of  the  person  who  was  to  receive  it.  First  for 
amusement  was  “Shadow  Pictures, ” the  guessing  of  each 
boy’s  and  girl’s  profile.  White  cards  with  numbers  in 
cherry  ink  and  small  cherry-colored  pencils  were  passed  to 
each.  As  the  shadow  was  thrown  upon  the  sheet  the  name 
was  written  after  the  number  on  the  card.  Prizes  were 
given  for  the  most  correct  guesses.  The  girls’  prize  was  a 
cherry-colored  satin  pin  cushion  in  the  shape  of  a heart ; 
the  boys’,  an  earthen  pig.  Then  small  white  cards  were 
passed  tied  with  cherry-colored  ribbon  and  vinter-gjaek, 
each  card  containing  a verse  and  below  this  the  initials  of 
a name  pricked  out  with  a pin.  By  guessing  the  names 
they  stood  for,  each  knew  his  or  her  valentine  for  the 
evening.  It  was  great  fun.  Lots  were  gjaeket  (fooled!. 
The  verse  on  the  cards  read  : 

“ Sir  Knight,  would’st  know  thy  lady’s  name, 

These  pin  pricks  tell  thee  whence  I came.” 

Then  all  were  asked  to  the  dining-room,  where  they 
found  the  following  supper  awaiting  them  served  in  Danish 
style : 

Coffee  Water 

Bummernickle  (Black  Rye  Bread)  White  Bread 

With  grated  cheese,  tied  with  cherry-colored  ribbon 
Bakte  Bomner  (Baked  Beans)  Pickles 

Bakte  Avola  (Baked  Apples)  Pop- Corn 

Avele-Skiever  (Doughnuts)  Head-Cheese 


200 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

Souvenirs — Three  white  candy  hearts  containing  verses, 
tied  with  cherry-colored  ribbon. 

After  supper  the  valentines  brought  by  the  guests  were 
distributed.  Music  and  a flashlight  picture  of  the  “ Town 
Club”  completed  the  entertainment.  Then  all  departed 
with  light  hearts. 

VALENTINE  SOCIABLE 

Invitations  should  be  sent  out  for  the  14th  of  February. 
Each  guest  is  requested  to  bring  a valentine,  and  as  they 
enter  the  room,  they  should  drop  them  into  a basket  which 
should  be  ready  to  receive  them.  These  can  be  sent  later 
to  some  poor  school  or  mission  to  be  given  out  to  poor 
children,  who  otherwise  would  get  none.  A small  room 
can  be  fitted  up  for  a studio,  and  as  the  guests  arrive,  they 
are  invited  into  this  room  to  have  their  pictures  taken. 

A committee  should  be  appointed  to  do  this  work. 
This  can  be  done  by  having  the  shadow  of  the  head  in 
profile  thrown  on  a sheet  of  paper  tacked  to  the  wall. 
The  artist  then  sketches  it  with  pencil  and  cuts  it  out. 
After  all  have  arrived  and  have  had  their  pictures  taken, 
paper  and  pencil  are  passed  around,  and  the  guests  are 
asked  to  guess  the  identity  of  each  picture. 

The  pictures  are  then  given  to  the  owners  as  keepsakes. 
A nice  idea  is  for  the  gentlemen  to  write  a valentine  verse 
on  the  portraits  of  the  ladies,  or  make  up  some  comic 
poetry.  A sale  of  hearts  is  also  a cute  idea. 

Buy  small  hearts  with  a valentine  couplet  on  each ; these 
being  read  aloud,  each  heart  is  to  be  sold  to  the  person 
who  first  completes  its  couplet;  for  instance,  “ ’Tis  better 
to  have  loved  and  lost,”  the  person  finishing  it  as  6 ‘ than 
never  to  have  loved  at  all.” 

The  one  guessing  the  greatest  number  of  couplets  can  be 
given  a small  box  of  heart-shaped  candies. 

Partners  can  be  chosen  for  supper  by  having  each  lady 
write  her  name  on  a slip  of  paper,  and  putting  all  the  slips 


201 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

into  a hat;  each  gentleman  will  take  to  supper  the  one 
whose  name  he  draws  from  the  hat. 

A pretty  souvenir  can  be  given  each  guest  in  the  form  of 
a small  heart-shaped  valentine. 

Refreshments  can  be  suggestive  of  the  day  also.  They 
can  consist  of  sandwiches  cut  in  heart-shape,  tied  with  red 
baby  ribbon,  bright-red  apples,  cherry  ice,  lady  fingers, 
kisses  and  small  heart-shaped  candies.  A card  on  each  dish 
could  carry  out  the  idea  in  the  following  manner : 

Sandwiches — “ Heart  bread.’ ’ 

Apples — “ Love  apples.” 

Cherry  Ice — “ Frozen  heart’s  blood.” 

Lady  Fingers — “Love’s  caresses.” 

Kisses — “Lovers’  sweets.” 

Candies — “Love’s  sweet  compound.” 

VARIETY  OF  LITTLE  MISSES 

1.  What  Miss  causes  in  turn  amusements  and  quarrels? 
(Mis-chief  ) 

2.  What  Miss  is  distrustful  of  human  nature  ? (Mis- 
anthrope) 

3.  What  Miss  undervalues  her  opportunities?  (Mis- 
appreciate) 

4.  What  Miss  is  not  always  honest  ? (Mis-appro- 
priate) 

5.  What  Miss  is  provoking  and  a blunderer?  (Mis- 
take) 

6.  What  Miss  can  destroy  the  peace  of  home,  school 
and  nation  ? (Mis-rule) 

7.  What  Miss  is  responsible  for  gross  errors  ? (Mis- 
doing) 

8.  What  Miss  wastes  times  and  money  ? (Mis-spend) 

9.  What  Miss  causes  her  mother  sorrow  ? (Mis-con- 
duct) 

10.  What  Miss  proves  an  uncertain  correspondent  ? 
(Mis-direct) 


202  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

11.  What  Miss  should  the  traveler  shun?  (Mis- 
guide) 

12.  What  Miss  is  unhappy?  (Mis-fortune) 

13.  What  Miss  is  distinguished  as  uncivil  and  ill-bred  ? 
(Mis-behave) 

14.  What  Miss  gives  unreliable  information?  (Mis- 
call) 

15.  What  Miss  meets  with  ill-luck  and  delay?  (Mis- 
adventure) 

16.  What  Miss  is  untruthful?  (Mis-represent) 

VEGETABLE  PARTY 

Over  the  table  was  an  Italian  green- grocer’s  sign,  and 
the  smiling  attendants  were  dressed  to  represent  Italian 
women.  The  table  was  loaded  with  fruits  and  vegetables, 
all  made  of  tissue  paper.  The  stock  included  pumpkins, 
squashes,  cabbages,  cauliflower,  curly  lettuce,  beets,  car- 
rots, potatoes,  tomatoes,  radishes,  oranges,  and  grapes. 
The  vegetables  sold  for  five  or  ten  cents,  according  to  size 
and  contents,  for  each  contained  a prize.  The  radishes 
and  grapes  were  candies  covered  with  the  proper  shade  of 
paper  and  tied  in  bunches. 

There  was  enough  mystery  about  the  contents  of  these 
artificial  vegetables  and  fruits  to  make  them  sell.  One 
person  might  open  a cucumber  and  find  a child’s  handker- 
chief rolled  within,  but  if  a neighbor  bought  one,  hoping 
to  secure  a handkerchief,  he  would  be  quite  as  likely  to 
find  a china  doll.  The  proceeds  of  this  sale  were 
donated  to  charity. 

A slip  of  paper  entitled  “ Vegetables  in  Disguise”  was 
passed  to  each  guest,  and  twenty-five  minutes  allotted  for 
puzzling  out  the  answers.  The  following  is  the  list  the 
paper  contained  : 

A pronoun  preceded  and  followed  by  a preposition. 
(Onion) 

A painful  projection.  (Corn) 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  203 

Hard  to  get  out  of.  (Maize  [maze]) 

What  vegetables  should  see  a great  deal,  and  why? 
(Potatoes.  They  have  so  many  eyes) 

A basement  and  a question.  (Celery  [cellar-why]) 
Every  good  Chinaman  has  my  first.  My  second  is  to 
overload.  (Cucumber  [queue-cumber]) 

A bivalve  and  a vegetable  growth.  (Oyster  plant) 
Normal,  and  a very  small  piece.  (Parsnip) 

A small  waste.  (Leek  [leak]) 

A letter.  (Pea  [p]j 

A boy,  a letter,  and  a part  of  the  body?  (Tomato 
[Tom-a-toe]) 

Yielding  water,  and  connections  ? (Pumpkin) 

To  crush.  (Squash) 

A purple  part  of  the  year,  and  sick.  (Lentil  [Lent- ill]) 
A tour  on  your  wheel,  and  years.  (Spinach  [spin-age]) 
Hot  stuff.  (Pepper) 

An  English  dignity,  and  a platter.  (Radish  [R.  A. 
dish]) 

A hen.  (Egg  plant) 

Tramps.  (Beets) 

The  supper,  as  one  would  expect  at  a vegetable  party, 
consisted  of  vegetarian  dishes  only,  but  it  was  surprising 
to  find  how  attractive  and  how  palatable  these  were. 


WEDDING  ANNIVERSARIES 

In  planning  for  anniversaries  there  are  many  and  unique 
ways  in  which  they  may  be  carried  out.  Everything  that 
accompanies  the  anniversary  being  celebrated  should  be 
used.  Always  use  a decided  color  and  try  to  carry  out 
the  color  scheme  in  the  refreshments,  the  decorations,  and 
the  costumes.  There  are  many  suitable  suggestions  in  the 
book  from  which  to  choose,  in  the  way  of  both  decoration 
and  entertainment,  besides  the  following. 


204  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

First  Anniversary — Cotton  Wedding 

The  invitations  for  the  cotton  wedding  may  be  written 
in  ink  on  well-starched  cotton  cloth.  Cut  the  pieces  to 
fit  regular-sized  envelopes.  You  may  request  the  guests 
to  wear  cotton  costumes,  if  you  wish,  to  add  to  the  effect. 
Decorate  the  rooms  with  cheese-cloth  of  several  colors 
gracefully  festooned  about  the  walls,  and  with  the  Southern 
cotton-balls  if  you  can  get  them.  The  married  couple 
may  stand  under  a canopy  made  of  wire  covered  with 
cotton  wadding  to  represent  snow,  and  wear  cotton 
costumes,  and  the  wife  may  carry  a bouquet  of  cotton 
flowers.  Artificial  flowers  made  of  cotton  may  be  used, 
too,  for  decoration.  Cover  the  refreshment  table  with 
cheese-cloth,  and  have  place-cards  written  on  prettily 
decorated  pieces  of  starched  muslin.  You  could  have  a 
Spider  Hunt  for  an  appropriate  entertainment.  For  this, 
as  you  probably  know,  you  provide  balls  of  cotton  twine, 
and  wind  the  twine  all  over  the  house.  The  guests  have  to 
untangle  their  respective  balls,  and  wind  them  up  until 
they  come  to  the  end  of  the  string,  where  a gift  is  dis- 
covered. The  gifts  should  be  pretty  conceits  made  of 
cotton — shoe-bags  or  work  bags  of  pretty  cretonne  for  the 
women,  and  picture  frames  of  cretonne  for  the  men,  etc. 

Second  Anniversary — Paper  Wedding 

The  second  year  is  celebrated  as  a paper  wedding. 
There  are  many  ways  a house  can  be  decorated  with 
paper.  Pretty  colored  paper  shades  can  be  made  for  all 
the  gas  jets  (or  lamp  chimneys),  flower-pots  can  be  trimmed 
with  fancy  crepe  paper,  butterflies  can  be  made  from  stiff 
colored  paper,  doilies  can  be  designed  from  fancy  paper, 
and  paper  napkins  can  be  used  in  many  ways.  Whatever 
is  used  for  refreshments  paper  napkins  can  be  placed  on 
each  dish  under  the  food ; tumblers  can  be  wrapped 
around  with  paper  and  tied  with  a dainty  little  ribbon. 
Plenty  of  paper  flowers  can  be  used  for  decoration.  The 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  205 

tablecloth  may  be  of  paper,  edged  with  paper  lace,  the 
centrepiece  of  paper  roses,  the  candle-shades  composed 
of  their  petals,  while  the  ices  may  be  served  in  boxes  held 
in  the  hearts  of  paper  roses.  For  entertainment,  large 
mottoes  containing  paper  caps  may  be  distributed.  These 
should  be  put  on,  and  with  their  assumption  a character 
impersonated  by  each  wearer  appropriate  to  the  headgear. 
The  guesses  are  recorded  in  paper  booklets  and  the  person 
most  successful  may  receive  a prize — a book  or  any  paper 
trifle. 


Fourth  Anniversary — Leather  Wedding 

The  fourth  year  is  observed  as  a leather  wedding.  In- 
vitations sent  out  for  this  anniversary  can  have  a small 
piece  of  leather  enclosed  in  envelope.  A unique  idea  is 
to  have  a leather  saddle  hung  in  the  centre  of  the  room, 
with  a leather  whip  and  riding  gloves.  As  souvenirs  small 
pieces  of  leather  with  the  date  of  the  wedding,  also  the 
date  of  the  anniversary,  stamped  or  written  upon  them, 
and  tied  with  white  baby  ribbon,  may  be  distributed. 
Small  leather  calendars  can  be  made,  also  heart-shaped 
leather  pen-wipers  with  small  paintings  on  them.  Ap- 
propriate presents  for  the  married  couple  would  be  leather 
purses,  hand-bags,  shoes,  satchels,  pocketbooks,  lunch 
boxes,  traveling  cases,  etc.,  and  do  not  forget  a leather 
smoking  case  for  the  host. 

A burnt-leather  box  or  basket  filled  with  yellow  flowers 
or  growing  ferns  would  not  be  ill-adapted  for  a centrepiece 
for  the  refreshment  table,  and  leatherette  receptacles,  if 
made  in  sections  tied  together  with  ribbons  matching  the 
flowers,  would  be  pretty  for  the  bonbons,  cakes  and  salted 
nuts. 

The  place-cards  may  be  of  leather  with  the  names  in 
heavy  gilt  lettering. 

A game  or  contest  is  usually  enjoyed,  and  the  award  of 
a trifling  prize  to  the  victor  makes  a pleasant  climax  to  the 


206  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

evening's  fun.  In  this  case  the  article  should,  of  course, 
be  of  leather. 

Fifth  Anniversary — Wooden  Wedding 

A description  is  given  of  an  actual  wooden  wedding 
anniversary  celebrated  recently.  The  invitations  were 
printed  on  paper  that  looked  like  wood.  In  fact 
it  looked  so  much  like  it  that  it  could  hardly 
be  told  from  wood.  For  decorations  as  much  real 
wood  was  utilized  as  possible.  In  one  large  arch- 
way were  hung  twelve  wooden  plates,  each  with  a painting 
on,  and  joined  with  white  ribbon.  Twelve  young  ladies 
served  on  the  reception  committee  and  the  twelve  plates 
were  given  them  as  souvenirs  before  they  departed.  In 
another  archway  th^re  was  a toothpick  curtain  which  at- 
tracted much  attention.  This  was  made  on  silk  cord  with 
the  toothpicks  tied  about  two  inches  apart,  crossways,  with 
a small  loop  in  the  cord.  They  were  draped  back  and  tied 
with  a bunch  of  silk  cord.  In  the  small  doorways  were 
clothes-pin  curtains.  A large  wire  bell,  covered  with  shav- 
ings and  goldenrod,  hung  from  a canopy  of  the  same,  un- 
der which  the  bride  and  groom  stood  to  receive  their 
guests. 

A large  wooden  flower -stand  was  placed  in  the  reception 
hall  and  it  was  banked  with  goldenrod  and  cut  flowers, 
with  a large  palm  on  top  shelf.  Several  wooden  bowls  and 
baskets  of  goldenrod  and  cut  flowers  were  scattered  about 
the  house.  On  the  mantels,  stands,  table,  sideboard,  and 
piano,  were  large  palms  and  goldenrod.  All  the  chairs 
had  been  moved  out  of  the  house,  except  in  the  dining- 
room, where  they  were  arranged  around  the  wall.  In  the 
centre  of  the  room  was  the  polished  table,  with  neat  doilies, 
and  for  a centrepiece  was  a large  yellow  cake  with  the 
figure  “5"  in  wood.  This  cake  stood  on  a high  cake- 
stand  and  around  the  edge  of  the  stand  were  a row  of 
clothes-pins,  the  kind  with  a spring,  and  a row  of  tooth- 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  207 

picks  sticking  all  around  the  edge  of  the  cake.  On  two 
corners  of  the  table  were  little  wooden  shoes  filled  with  cut 
flowers,  and  on  the  two  diagonally  opposite  corners  were 
large  apples  stuck  full  of  toothpicks.  The  guests  were 
seated  in  the  dining-room  for  refreshments  and  as  soon  as 
it  was  filled,  the  reception  committee  closed  it  with  a large 
rope  of  goldenrod  across  the  doorway.  For  refreshments 
ice  cream  and  cake  were  served  on  wooden  plates  with 
wooden  spoons.  The  ice  cream  was  made  to  look  like 
wood,  the  caterer  using  a mixture  of  vanilla,  chocolate, 
bisque  and  lemon  flavors.  The  different  kinds  of  cake 
were  also  made  to  look  like  different  kinds  of  wood,  such 
as  walnut,  oak,  cherry,  and  so  forth.  The  souvenirs  were 
large  wooden  butter  moulds  on  which  were  printed  the  year 
of  marriage  and  the  year  of  celebration.  An  orchestra  of 
eight  pieces  played  all  through  the  evening,  under  a can- 
opy of  white  cloth  on  the  porch,  the  porch  being  carpeted 
and  curtained  like  a room. 

Seventh  Anniversary — Woolen  Wedding 

The  woolen  wedding  comes  with  the  seventh  anniver- 
sary. The  material  is  not  effective,  but  the  invitations  may 
be  worked  in  crewels  on  perforated  Bristol-board. 

The  “ cobweb  party”  might  be  revived,  using  colored 
yarns  instead  of  cords,  and  placing  a 4 ‘ fortune”  as  well  as 
a favor  at  the  end  of  each.  Some  unfortunate  swain 
might,  perhaps,  find  a huge  worsted  mitten,  guided  in  his 
choice  of  yarn  by  one  in  the  secret  to  insure  its  selection 
by  a man. 

On  the  refreshment  table  a large  wedding-cake  crowned 
by  a “ Bo-peep  ” doll  with  her  flock  of  toy  sheep  would 
suggest  the  “woolly”  idea. 

Tenth  Anniversary — Tin  Wedding 

These  wedding  invitations  can  be  written  or  printed, 
and  sent  out  ten  days  beforehand,  either  enclosing  a piece 
of  tin,  or  wrapped  in  tin  foil. 


2o8  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

The  bride  and  groom  should  receive  their  guests,  the 
bride  carrying  her  bouquet  in  a tin  funnel.  The  groom 
can  wear  a small  tin  horn  in  his  buttonhole  with  a small 
bouquet.  The  author  intends  to  celebrate  her  tin  wedding 
this  fall,  and  this  is  what  she  intends  to  have. 

For  refreshments,  will  serve  coffee  in  tin  cups,  with  tin 
spoons,  and  dainty  sandwiches  on  tin  plates ; will  pass  water 
in  a tin  pail,  using  a tin  dipper.  All  refreshments  will  be 
passed  in  tin  pans,  the  waiters  will  use  tin  coffee  pots  to  re- 
fill the  coffee  cups.  For  a centrepiece  for  the  table,  will 
use  a large  tin  cake  pan,  with  an  opening  in  the  centre,  in 
which  a small  fish  horn  can  be  placed,  the  cake  pan  and 
fish  horn  both  being  filled  with  flowers.  Shall  decorate 
the  rooms  with  tin  as  far  as  possible.  In  one  archway  shall 
use  tin  plates  tied  together  with  ribbon,  a small  hole  being 
punched  in  the  plates  for  the  purpose.  This  will  form  a 
curtain  for  one  archway.  In  another  archway  shall  use  tin 
cups  for  the  same  purpose.  Tin  candlesticks  can  be  used, 
if  one  is  fortunate  enough  to  have  them.  Wire  toasters 
tied  with  ribbon  can  be  hung  on  the  walls  to  hold  photo- 
graphs. Small  tin  spoons  tied  with  ribbons  can  be  given 
as  souvenirs,  being  passed  around  by  the  waiters,  in  a tin 
dust  pan. 

Potted  plants  can  be  set  in  tin  pails,  and  tin  cans  can  be 
used  for  bouquets.  A tin  wash  basin  can  be  passed  for  a 
finger  bowl.  Tin  foil  can  also  be  used  with  which  to  decorate. 

Twelfth  Anniversary — Linen  Wedding 

The  invitations  are  written  on  squares  of  linen  in  indeli- 
ble ink,  and  the  name  cards  are  also  of  linen.  Linen  is 
used  freely  about  the  rooms,  linen  lace  working  into  dec- 
orative schemes  most  effectively.  The  flax  flower  is,  of 
course,  conspicuous  whenever  it  can  be  obtained.  The 
artificial  flower  may  be  used  in  many  places,  as  well  as  the 
natural  blossoms.  The  centrepiece,  doilies,  etc.,  used  on 
the  table  should  be  embroidered  with  flax  flowers  in  natural 
colors. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  209 

While  the  guests  are  at  supper  an  old-fashioned  spinning 
wheel  should  be  brought  into  the  parlors  in  readiness  for  a 
spinning  contest,  which  may  be  conducted  as  described  in 
the  entertainment,  “ A Spinning  Party.’ ’ 


Fifteenth  Anniversary — Crystal  Wedding 

The  invitations  may  be  decorated  with  drawings  of 
small  hand-mirrors,  tumblers,  etc.,  and  for  the  ornamenta- 
tion of  the  house  every  conceivable  kind  of  glass  vessel 
and  mirror  may  be  used.  In  the  table  decorations  cut  or 
pressed  glass  should  be  prominent.  In  the  centre  of  the 
table  a small  mirror  might  be  placed,  with  a large  glass 
bowl  upon  it  filled  with  flowers.  Red  carnations  with  red 
candle-shades  make  a very  effective  color  scheme  for  the 
crystal  background.  Little  cakes  with  red  icing,  red  bon- 
bons, and  red  place  cards  may  also  be  used.  The  re- 
freshments should  be  served  on  glass  dishes,  the  waiters 
using  glass  trays  if  possible.  Tiny  glass  bottles  each  con- 
taining a red  carnation  and  a sprig  of  smilax  make  very 
appropriate  souvenirs.  Should  the  bride  desire  an  appro- 
priate gown  for  the  occasion,  it  may  be  trimmed  with 
quantities  of  glass  beads  or  the  glass  drops  from  a chande- 
lier. Those  who  assist  in  receiving  might  also  be  similarly 
garbed. 

Twentieth  Anniversary — China  Wedding 

A good  idea  for  a china  wedding  would  be  to  have  a 
course  dinner  and  display  all  one’s  china.  Use  china 
wherever  it  can  be  used  instead  of  silver,  glass,  or  other 
dishes.  Have  plants  and  flowers  displayed  in  china.  A 
unique  idea  would  be  to  give  each  guest  a tiny  china  cup 
and  saucer  as  a souvenir. 

Any  of  the  parlor  entertainments  or  contests  described 
in  this  volume  may  be  used  to  pass  the  time  pleasantly 
either  before  or  after  the  dinner. 


210  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

Twenty-fifth  Anniversary — Silver  Wedding 

The  invitations  to  a silver  wedding  should  be  headed  by 
the  two  eventful  dates  printed  in  silver. 

For  the  decorations,  use  any  flowers  which  may  be  in 
season,  surrounding  the  mirrors  and  pictures  as  far  as  pos- 
sible with  a framework  of  green  spangled  with  silver. 
Cover  all  the  lamps  and  gas  shades  with  white  crepe  paper 
flecked  here  and  there  with  silver,  and  suspend  balls  cov- 
ered with  silver  paper  from  the  chandeliers. 

Let  the  daughters  in  the  family,  and  the  granddaughters 
if  there  be  any,  wear  gowns  of  simplest  white,  with  draper- 
ies of  silver  tinsel.  If  there  happen  to  be  any  grandchil- 
dren it  would  be  well  to  have  them  distribute  the  favors, 
which  may  be  bouquets  of  flowers  tied  with  white  ribbons. 

The  refreshments  should  be  served  shortly  after  the 
guests  arrive.  A suitable  way  to  announce  that  supper  is 
served  will  be  to  have  the  wedding  march  played,  when 
the  bride  and  groom  of  the  evening  may  be  requested  to 
lead  the  way  to  the  dining-room. 

The  supper-table  should  be  lighted  with  white  candles  in 
silver  candelabra,  and  the  snowy  tablecloth  be  crossed 
diagonally  with  white  satin  ribbon  edged  with  silver. 
Upon  a pretty  centrepiece  of  silver-spangled  tulle  may  be 
placed  a silver  or  glass  bowl  containing  twenty-five  white 
roses.  Dishes  of  white  cakes  and  candies,  and  old-fash- 
ioned mottoes  covered  with  silver  paper  may  be  scattered 
plentifully  about  the  table.  The  large  cake  should  be 
decorated  in  white  and  silver,  and  placed  upon  a silver 
dish  in  front  of  the  bride  of  twenty-five  years  ago,  who 
alone  should  be  permitted  to  cut  it. 

There  is  no  limit  to  the  presents  which  may  be  sent  in 
honor  of  a silver  wedding,  but  no  guest  need  be  deterred 
from  appearing  because  of  her  inability  to  send  a present ; 
her  good  wishes  will  please  the  host  and  hostess  quite  as 
well  as  an  elaborate  gift. 

Pretty  souvenirs  of  a silver  wedding  are  bookmarks  of 


21  1 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

white  satin  ribbon,  upon  each  one  of  which  is  printed  in 
silver  the  name  of  the  guest  and  the  dates  of  the  anniver- 
sary he  or  she  has  been  helping  to  celebrate. 

Fiftieth  Anniversary — Golden  Wedding 

Invitations  to  a golden  wedding  should  be  written  or 
printed  on  golden  hued  cards.  Let  the  bride  wear  a dress 
of  golden  hue,  or,  if  she  dislikes  such  bright  colors,  let  her 
use  plenty  of  yellow  flowers  in  her  hair  and  on  her  dress. 
The  groom  should  also  wear  yellow  flowers.  Two  arm- 
chairs decorated  with  straw  might  be  used  for  the  seats  of 
honor.  Have  the  home  decorated  with  goldenrod  if  in 
season,  if  not,  any  yellow  flower  can  be  used ; if  the  sea- 
son for  sunflowers,  they  are  very  pretty  for  decoration. 
Let  those  who  help  serve  wear  yellow  dresses  or  plenty  of 
yellow  flowers.  A large  yellow  cake  could  be  used  for  a 
centrepiece,  banked  with  yellow  flowers ; use  brass  candle- 
sticks with  yellow  candles.  Plenty  of  flowers  or  yellow 
paper  should  be  used  for  the  gas  jets,  lamp  shades  and 
picture  frames.  Refreshments  might  consist  of  yellow 
cake,  lemonade,  and  yellow  candy.  Pretty  souvenirs 
would  be  a yellow  carnation  for  each  guest. 

WEDDING  OF  THE  OPERAS 

Each  guest  was  given  a double  card  or  booklet  with 
pencil  attached,  the  cover  representing  a miniature  sheet 
of  music.  Upon  one  page  was  a list  of  numbered  ques- 
tions, the  answers  to  be  written  upon  the  opposite  page, 
suggested  by  selections  from  well-known  operas  and  oper- 
ettas played  upon  the  piano  or  other  instrument.  The 
names  of  the  operas  from  which  the  selections  were  taken 
answered  the  questions. 

The  following  were  the  questions : 

1.  Who  were  the  bride  and  groom  ? 

2.  What  was  the  bride  called — from  the  circumstances 
of  her  wedding  ? 


212 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

3.  At  what  sort  of  party  did  they  meet  ? 

4.  He  went  as  a minstrel.  What  was  he  called  ? 

5.  She  went  as  an  Austrian  peasant.  What  was  she 
called  ? 

6.  At  the  wedding  what  Spanish  girl  was  maid  of 
honor  ? 

7.  What  noted  Swiss  was  best  man  ? 

8.  What  two  ladies  (friends  of  Donizetti's)  were 
bridesmaids  ? 

9.  What  four  Germans  were  the  ushers? 

10.  What  mythological  personage  presided  over  the 
music  ? 

11.  Who  sang  at  the  ceremony  ? 

12.  What  noted  person  from  Japan  was  present  ? 

13.  What  noted  bells  were  rung  in  honor  of  the  wed- 
ding ? 

14.  What  ship  did  they  take  for  their  wedding  trip? 

15.  When  on  the  voyage  who  captured  them? 

16.  What  virtue  sustained  them  in  captivity? 

17.  What  gentleman  of  dark  complexion  rescued 
them  ? 

18.  What  historical  people  entertained  them  in 
France  ? 

19.  In  Northeast  Italy  what  grand  affair  did  they  at- 
tend ? 

20.  Who  showed  them  the  sights  of  Venice  ? 

And  the  music  gave  answer,  as  follows : 

1.  Romeo  and  Juliet. 

2.  The  Runaway  Girl. 

3.  Masked  Ball. 

4.  Trovatore. 

5.  The  Bohemian  Girl. 

6.  Carmen. 

7.  William  Tell. 

8.  Lucia  di  Lammermoor  and  Linda  di  Chamouni. 

9.  Lohengrin,  Faust,  Tannhauser  and  Siegfried. 


213 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

io.  Orpheus, 
n.  The  Meistersinger. 

12.  The  Mikado. 

13.  The  Chimes  of  Normandy. 

14.  H.  M.  S.  Pinafore. 

15.  The  Pirates  of  Penzance. 

16.  Patience. 

17.  Othello. 

18.  The  Huguenots. 

19.  The  Carnival  of  Venice. 

20.  The  Gondoliers. 


WHICH  IS  YOUR  AGE 

What  is  the  best  age  for  a girl  or  boy?  (Espionage) 

To  what  age  will  people  arrive  if  they  live  long  enough  ? 
(Dotage) 

To  what  age  do  most  women  look  forward  with  anxiety? 
(Marriage) 

What  age  has  the  soldier  often  to  find  ? (Courage) 
What  age  is  required  on  the  high  seas?  (Tonnage) 
What  age  are  we  forbidden  to  worship  ? (Image) 

What  age  is  not  less  or  more  ? (Average) 

What  is  the  age  people  are  stuck  on  ? (Mucilage) 

What  age  is  both  profane  and  destructive  ? (Damage) 
At  what  age  are  vessels  to  ride  safe  ? (Anchorage) 
What  age  is  necessary  to  the  clergyman?  (Par- 
sonage) 

What  age  is  one  of  communication  ? (Postage) 

What  age  is  most  important  to  travelers  by  rail  ? (Mile- 

age) 

What  is  the  age  now  popular  for  charity  ? (Coinage) 
What  age  is  shared  by  the  doctor  and  the  thief?  (Pil- 
lage) 

What  age  do  we  all  wish  for  ? (Homage) 

What  age  is  slavery  ? (Hostage) 


214  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

What  age  is  most  enjoyed  at  the  morning  meal  ? (Bever- 
age) 

What  is  the  most  indigestible  age  ? (Sausage) 


i. 


2. 

3- 

4- 
5* 
6. 

7* 

8. 

9* 

io. 


ii. 


I 2. 

J3* 

14- 

15- 
16. 
i7- 

18. 

19. 

20. 


WHICH  IS  YOUR  AUNT  (ANT) 

What  is  the  oldest  ant  ? (Adam-ant) 

What  ant  hires  his  home  ? (Tenant) 

What  ant  is  joyful  ? (Jubilant) 

What  ant  is  learned  ? (Savant) 

What  ant  is  well-informed  ? (Conversant) 
What  ant  is  trustworthy  ? (Confidant) 
What  ant  is  proud  ? (Arrogant) 

What  ant  sees  things?  (Observant) 

What  ant  is  angry  ? (Indignant) 

What  ant  tells  things  ? (Informant) 

What  ant  is  successful  ? (Triumphant) 
What  ant  is  an  officer  ? (Commandant) 
What  ant  is  a beggar  ? (Mendicant) 

What  ant  is  obstinate  ? (Defiant) 

What  ant  is  youngest  ? (Infant) 

What  is  the  ruling  ant?  (Dominant) 
What  is  the  wandering  ant  ? (Errant) 
What  ant  lives  in  a house  ? (Occupant) 
What  ant  points  out  things  ? (Significant) 
What  ant  is  prayerful  ? (Supplicant) 


WHICH  IS  YOUR  CITY 

1 . What  city  is  for  few  people  ? (Scarcity) 

2.  For  happy  people  ? (Felicity) 

3.  For  hypocrites  ? (Duplicity) 

4.  For  chauffeurs  ? (Velocity) 

5.  For  truthful  people  ? (Veracity) 

6.  For  athletes  ? (Elasticity) 

7.  For  greedy  people  ? (Voracity) 

8.  For  wild  beasts  ? (Ferocity) 


215 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

9.  For  home  lovers  ? (Domesticity) 

10.  For  actors?  (Publicity) 

11.  For  reporters  ? (Audacity) 

12.  For  wise  people  ? (Sagacity) 

13.  For  hungry  people  ? (Capacity) 

14.  For  telegraph  operators  ? (Electricity) 

15.  For  crowds?  (Multiplicity) 

16.  For  nations?  (Reciprocity) 

17.  For  odd  people  ? (Eccentricity) 

18.  For  beggars?  (Mendicity) 

19.  For  unhappy  people?  (Infelicity) 

20.  For  office  seekers  ? (Pertinacity) 

The  names  of  cities  and  their  nicknames  may  also  be 
used,  thus  : ^Boston,  “ The  Hub  ” ; Philadelphia,  “ The 
City  of  Homes  ” ; ^Detroit,  “City  of  the  Straits”;  Cin- 
cinnati, ‘^Queen  City  of  the  West”;  Chicago,  *vVindy 
City,”  or  “Garden  City”;  Buffalo,  “ Queen  City”; 
Cleveland,  “Forest  City  ”;  Pittsburg,  “Smoky  City”; 
Washington,  “City  of  Magnificent  Distances”;  Mil- 
waukee, “Cream  City”;  New  York,  “Gotham”;  Mn> 
neapolis,  “Falls  City”  ; St.  Louis,  “ Mound  City  ” ; f>an 
Francisco,  “Golden  Gate”;  New  Orleans,  “Crescent 
City.” 

WHITE  RIBBON  SOCIABLE 

Invitations  should  be  similar  to  the  following : 

Yourself  and  friends  are  cordially  invited  to  attend  a 
White  Ribbon  Sociable 

given  by  the  Y.  W.  C.  T.  U.  at  the  home  of  the 
President , Miss  Blank , 

Monday  evening , Septe7nber  10,  19—. 

Have  a small  white  ribbon  bow  tied  on  the  corner  of  the 
card.  Of  course  all  members  of  the  society  should 


216  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

wear  their  white  ribbons.  All  who  serve  on  the  reception 
committee  should  wear  a large  white  ribbon  rosette.  Also 
have  a white  ribbon  quartet  for  the  musical  part  of  the  pro- 
gram, and  have  each  one  wear  a large  white  ribbon  bow  on 
the  left  breast.  Have  plenty  of  white  flowers  for  decora- 
tion, also  use  anything  white  that  can  be  used  in  any  way 
to  help  decorate.  Have  a large  bowl  or  white  dish  in 
centre  of  dining-table  with  small  white  baby  ribbons  hang- 
ing over  the  edge,  one  for  each  guest  you  expect.  Tie  to 
the  end  of  each  ribbon  a small  slip  of  paper  bearing  in- 
structions as  to  what  each  one  is  to  do.  Each  guest 
is  to  pull  out  a slip,  see  what  he  is  to  do,  and  then  proceed 
to  do  it  at  once.  Cover  the  top  of  the  dish  neatly  with 
white  tissue  paper.  Wafers  can  be  served  tied  with  nar- 
row white  ribbon,  also  coffee  or  cocoa,  or  if  in  summer 
serve  lemonade. 

The  following  suggestions  may  be  used  for  the  slips  of 
paper : 

1.  Act  in  pantomime  a doctor’s  visit 

2.  Make  a dunce  cap  and  put  on  head  of  dignified 
person. 

3.  Deliver  an  oration  on  George  Washington. 

4.  Sing  “Mary  had  a little  lamb,”  in  operatic  style. 

5.  Draw  a correct  picture  of  a cow. 

6.  Tell  a funny  story. 

7.  Sing  a lullaby  to  a sofa  cushion. 

8.  Sing  a comic  song. 

9.  Compose  a rhyme  with  four  lines. 

10.  Tell  a pathetic  story. 

11.  Make  a shadow  picture  of  a man’s  head  on  the  wall 
with  the  hands. 

12.  Show  how  a small  boy  cries  when  a hornet  stings 
him. 

13.  Sneeze  in  five  different  ways. 

14.  Shake  hands  with  ten  different  persons  in  ten  dif- 
ferent styles. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  217 

15.  Recite  “The  boy  stood  on  the  burning  deck,”  in 
dramatic  style. 

16.  Laugh  ten  varieties  of  laugh. 

17.  Imitate  the  sounds  made  by  two  cats  fighting. 

18.  Show  how  a man  acts  when  he  is  lost  in  Boston. 

19.  Smile  ten  different  smiles. 

20.  Tip  your  hat  in  ten  different  ways  to  ten  different 
people. 

21.  Show  how  a dude  walks. 

22.  Auction  off  an  overcoat. 

23.  Try  to  sell  a book  as  if  you  were  a book  agent. 

24.  Show  how  a boy  writes  his  first  letter. 

25.  Name  ten  things  you  could  do  with  a million  dol- 
lars. 

WHY  WE  NEVER  MARRIED 

An  Evening’s  Entertainment  to  be  Given  by  Seven 
Maids  and  Seven  Bachelors 

(Copyright,  1899,  by  the  Curtis  Publishing  Company  and  republished 
by  courtesy  of  the  Ladies'  Home  Journal ) 

Although  this  entertainment  is  here  planned  to  include 
fourteen  people,  the  number  of  those  who  take  part  in  it 
may,  of  course,  be  reduced  to  as  few  or  increased  to  as 
many  as  desired,  either  by  omitting  one  or  more  of  the 
couples  already  provided  for,  or  by  including  more  couples 
and  composing  additional  verses  for  them. 

The  characters  appear  seated  in  a semicircle,  a young 
man  first,  then  a young  woman,  and  so  on  alternately,  be- 
ginning at  the  right  as  one  faces  the  audience.  Each  one 
is  dressed  in  a fashion  appropriate  to  the  character  repre- 
sented. Starting  with  the  first  young  man  at  the  right, 
each  advances  in  turn  to  the  front  and  recites. 

Number  one  says  : 

“ Of  all  the  girls  that  ever  I knew, 

I never  saw  one  that  1 thought  would  do. 


2l8  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

I wanted  a wife  that  was  nice  and  neat, 

That  was  up  to  date,  and  that  had  small  feet ; 

I wanted  a wife  that  was  loving  and  kind, 

And  that  hadn’t  too  much  original  mind ; 

I wanted  a wife  that  could  cook  and  sew, 

And  that  wasn’t  eternally  on  the  go ; 

1 wanted  a wife  that  just  loved  to  keep  house, 

And  that  wasn’t  too  timid  to  milk  the  cows ; 

I wanted  a wife  that  was  strikingly  beautiful, 
Intelligent,  rich,  and  exceedingly  dutiful. 

That  isn’t  so  much  to  demand  in  a wife, 

But  still  she’s  not  found,  though  I’ve  looked  all  my  life.’r 

Number  two  next  recites  : 

“ The  only  reason  why  I’ve  never  wed 
Is  as  clear  as  the  day,  and  as  easily  said : 

Two  lovers  I had  who’d  have  made  me  a bride, 

But  the  trouble  was  just  that  I couldn’t  decide ; 
Whenever  John  came  I was  sure  it  was  he 
That  I cared  for  most ; but  with  Charlie  by  me, 

My  hands  clasped  in  his,  and  his  eyes  fixed  on  mine, 
’Twas  as  easy  as  could  be  to  say,  ‘ I’ll  be  thine.’ 

Now  tell  me  what  was  a poor  maiden  to  do, 

Who  couldn’t,  to  save  her,  make  choice  ’tween  the  two  ? 
I dillied  and  dallied,  and  couldn’t  decide, 

Till  John,  he  got  married,  and  Charlie,  he  died; 

And  that  is  the  reason  why  I’ve  never  wed; 

For  how  could  I help  it,  as  every  one  said, 

When  John,  he  was  married,  and  Charlie  was  dead.” 

Number  three  now  speaks  : 

“ I have  never  proposed  to  any  girl. 

Was  I to  be  caught  in  the  snare  of  a curl. 

And  dangle  through  life  in  a dizzy  whirl  ? 

**  Humph!  I know  too  much  for  that  by  half! 

I may  look  young,  but  I’m  not  a calf ; 

You  can’t  catch  a bird  like  me  with  chaff. 

“ I know  their  tricks,  I know  their  arts, 

I know  how  they  scheme  to  capture  hearts; 

I know  they  can  play  a dozen  parts. 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  219 

“ How  do  I know  so  much,  you  ask  ? 

To  reply  to  that  isn’t  much  of  a task ; 

For  if  you  must  know,  O madams  and  misters, 

I’m  the  only  brother  of  fourteen  sisters.” 

Number  four  advances  and  says : 

“ My  lovers  came  from  near  and  far, 

And  sued  before  my  feet ; 

They  told  me  I was  like  a star ; 

They  said  that  I was  sweet; 

And  each  one  swore  if  I’d  accept 
His  heart  and  eke  his  hand, 

That  he  would  be  the  happiest  man 
Throughout  the  whole  broad  land. 

But  one  proud  youth  remained  aloof, 

And  stood  untouched,  unmoved ; 

Oh,  bitter  fate  ! he  was  the  one, 

The  only  one  I loved ! 

I tried  on  him  each  winning  charm, 

I put  forth  every  art, 

But  all  in  vain  ; he  turned  away, 

And  took  with  him  my  heart. 

This  is  the  reason  I am  left 
Alone  upon  the  tree, 

Like  withered  fruit,  though  not  a pear ; 

Oh,  would  that  I might  be ! ” 

Number  five  recites  these  lines  : 

“ The  only  reason  why  I’ve  never  married 
Is  because  all  my  plans  for  proposing  miscarried; 

I wouldn’t  propose  till  all  was  propitious, 

Till  I felt  pretty  sure  that  the  signs  were  auspicious. 

More  than  once  I’ve  been  moved  to  propound  the  fond  query, 

‘ Won’t  you  tell  me  you  love  me,  my  beautiful  dearie  ? ’ 

When  just  at  that  moment  came  something  or  other, 

A ring  at  the  bell,  or  a call  from  her  mother, 

Or  the  sudden  approach  of  her  infantile  brother, 

My  words  to  arrest,  my  intentions  to  smother; 

And  once,  when  a few  leading  questions  I’d  asked, 

She  laughed  as  if  jokes  in  my  questions  were  masked; 

I couldn’t  conceive  what  had  caused  her  commotion, 

But  ’twas  so  disconcerting  I gave  up  the  notion ; 

Although  I felt  certain  as  certain  could  be, 

That  whatever  she  laughed  at,  it  was  not  at  me,” 


220  Bright  ideas  for  Entertaining 

Number  six  then  says : 

“ From  my  earliest  years 
I’ve  had  an  intuition 
That  I was  intended 
To  carry  out  a mission. 

Whatever  it  might  be 
I hadn’t  the  least  notion, 

But  I searched  for  it  faithfully 
From  ocean  to  ocean. 

For  a while  I kept  thinking 
That  I was  surely  meant 
To  preach  to  the  heathen, 

But  I never  was  sent. 

Then  the  surging  thoughts  and  feelings 
That  upon  me  seemed  to  press 
Surely  proved  beyond  all  question 
That  I was  a poetess ; 

But  the  editors  were  cruel, 

They  were  stonily  unkind ; 

And  their  inappreciation 

Drove  the  notion  from  my  mind. 
Now  I’m  sure  that  I’m  a speaker; 

’Tis  my  latest  great  impression ; 

And  I’d  like  to  prove  it  to  you, 

If  I might  without  digression ; 

But  whatever  is  my  mission, 

I’ve  been  certain  all  my  life, 

That  ’tis  something  higher,  nobler, 
Than  to  be  a slaving  wife.” 

Number  seven  speaks  thus : 

“ I used  to  call  on  Mary  Jane 
When  I was  seventeen ; 

And  Mary  Jane  was  fond  of  me, 

Though  I was  rather  green. 

One  day  I told  her  why  I came, 

And  what  was  my  intent ; 

And  then  she  said  that  I must  go 
And  get  her  pa’s  consent. 

Her  pa,  he  was  a mason  rude, 

Well  used  to  handling  bricks, 

And  when  I came  to  talk  with  him 
My  courage  went  to  sticks. 


221 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

‘ K-kind  sir,  may  I have  M-Mary  Jane  ? 9 
I asked  with  gasp  and  stutter ; 

Then  came  an  earthquake,  then  a blank  — 

I went  home  on  a shutter. 

I never  married  Mary  Jane, 

The  maid  whom  I’d  selected; 

The  reason  was  because  her  pa  — 

Well,  so  to  speak — objected.” 

Number  eight  next  advances : 

“ I fully  intended  a bride  to  be, 

But  Richard  and  I could  never  agree ; 

He  fussed  at  me  daily  in  fault-finding  mood, 

And  I picked  at  him  though  I knew  it  was  rude ; 
He  thought  that  a woman  ought  always  to  do 
Just  what  her  husband  wanted  her  to, 

And  I was  as  set  and  decided  as  he, 

That  that  way  of  life  would  never  suit  me ; 

And  so  we  kept  wrangling  all  summer  and  fall, 
And  at  last  we  agreed  not  to  marry  at  all ; 

And  that  is  the  reason  you*  now  find  me  here, 
Feeling  cheap,  I admit,  and  I once  was  so  dear.,g 

Number  nine  speaks  as  follows : 

“ Could  I give  up  all  the  pleasures 
That  a single  man  may  claim  ? 

Could  I see  my  bachelor  treasures 
Sniffed  at  by  a scornful  dame  ? 

Could  I have  my  choice  Havanas 
Bandied  all  about  the  place, 

Strewn  around  like  cheap  bananas, 

Looked  upon  as  a disgrace  ? 

Could  I bear  to  find  a hairpin 
Sticking  in  my  shaving-mug  ? 

Or  a pair  of  high-heeled  slippers 
Lying  on  my  Persian  rug  ? 

Would  I want  my  meditations 
Broken  up  by  cries  of  fright 

At  a mouse  or  daddy-long-legs, 

Or  some  other  fearful  sight? 

No,  I couldn’t,  and  I wouldn’t, 

And  I didn’t,  as  you  see ; 

Of  every  life,  the  bachelor’s  life 
Is  just  the  life  for  me.” 


222 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

Number  ten  says : 

“ My  lovers  were  plenty 
As  plenty  could  be  ; 

But  of  the  whole  number 
Not  one  suited  me ; 

John  was  too  fat, 

Joe  was  too  thin, 

And  George,  who’d  have  done, 

Was  without  any  ‘ tin  ’ ; 

Dick  was  a sinner, 

And  James  was  a saint, 

Who,  whenever  I shocked  him, 
Looked  ready  to  faint ; 

Charles  was  quite  handsome, 

The  likeliest  yet, 

But  he  always  was  smoking 
A vile  cigarette ; 

That  I’m  very  particular 
’Tis  easy  to  see, 

Which  all  should  remember 
Who  come  to  court  me.” 


Number  eleven  now  advances : 

“ First  it  was  Carrie  who  claimed  my  heart, 
And  I thought  from  her  I never  would  part ; 
Then  it  was  Rose,  with  her  winsome  eyes 
Of  an  azure  as  deep  as  the  tropic  skies ; 

And  next  it  was  Alice,  so  mild  and  meek ; 

I loved  her  fondly  for  nearly  a week  ; 

Then  came  Elizabeth’s  fickle  reign, 

And  after  her  Mary  and  Kate  and  Jane ; 

A dozen  more  for  a time  held  sway, 
Sometimes  for  a month,  sometimes  for  a day ; 
And  yet  I’m  not  married  ; for,  truth  to  tell, 

I could  make  no  choice,  I loved  all  so  well.,, 

Number  twelve  speaks  thus  : 

“ I never  would  marry 
The  best  of  men  ; 

Though  they’ve  tried  to  persuade  me 
Again  and  again ; 


223 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

I know  too  well 
What’s  good  for  me 
To  wed  any  man, 

Whoever  he  be ; 

If  he  tells  you  he  loves  you, 

He  means  to  deceive  you ; 

If  he  says  he’ll  be  faithful, 

He’s  planning  to  leave  you ; 

You  may  think  him  as  meek 
As  ever  was  Moses ; 

You  may  think  him  as  sweet 
As  a garden  of  roses; 

You  may  think  him  as  good 
As  good  can  be  ; 

But  just  remember 
One  word  from  me  ; 

Whatever  they  seem 
To  be  or  have  been, 

You  just  can’t  tell 
One  thing  about  men. 

Number  thirteen  and  number  fourteen  advance  together, 
and  the  former  speaks  first  as  follows : 

“ I’ve  been  in  love  with  lots  of  girls, 

A bachelor’s  life  I hate ; 

I’ve  all  the  time  that  I could  want 
To  find  and  win  a mate  ; 

I’ve  never  come  in  contact  with 
A brick-objecting  pa, 

Or  been  deterred  by  brothers  small 
Or  loudly  calling  ma  ; 

I’ve  never  found  it  hard  to  choose 
With  whom  I would  be  mated ; 

Oh,  no,  ’tis  quite  another  cause  — 

I’m  not  appreciated; 

I’ve  popped  the  question  o’er  and  o’er, 

But  if  you  will  believe  me, 

There  wasn’t  one  of  all  of  them 
That  I could  get  to  have  me. 

And  that  is  why  I’m  left  alone, 

Now  love’s  young  dream  is  gone, 

To  darn  my  hose  and  mend  my  clo’es 
And  sew  my  buttons  on.” 


224  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

Then  number  fourteen  says : 

u My  friends  have  all  told  you  the  reason  why  they 
Keep  on  in  a lonesome,  old-maidenly  way, 

Without  any  husband  to  lighten  their  loads, 

Without  any  helper  to  smooth  the  rough  roads ; 

I,  too,  am  unmarried,  but  not  for  the  causes 
That  they  have  all  stated  in  rhythmical  clauses : 

My  lover  didn’t  die, 

And  he  never  went  away ; 

My  father  didn’t  stand 
A moment  in  my  way ; 

I’ve  never  quarreled  once, 

Nor  been  bothered  to  decide, 

But  I’ve  got  a first-class  reason 
Why  I’ve  never  been  a bride; 

At  any  kind  of  mission 
I wouldn’t  even  glance ; 

The  simple  truth  is  this  — 

I’ve  never  had  a chance ; 

Other  folks,  I s’pose,  have  had  ’em, 

But  they’ve  never  come  to  me ; 

Though  I don’t  see  why  they  shouldn’t, 

For  I’m  willing  as  can  be  ; 

And  all  I’ve  got  to  say  is, 

And  I say  it  frank  and  free, 

If  you  think  I won’t  get  married, 

Just  you  question  me  and  see.” 

At  the  close  of  number  fourteen’s  recitation,  all  rise  and 
stand  in  two  rows,  facing  each  other,  the  ladies  in  one  row 
and  the  gentlemen  in  the  other.  The  gentlemen  then  re- 
cite in  concert  as  follows : 

“ Since  we  all  are  yet  unmated, 

And  are  getting  on  in  years, 

Why  not  now  decide  the  matter 
By  dividing  up  in  pairs  ? 

If  I ask  you  to  accept  me, 

And  my  lonely  life  to  bless, 

Will  you  ? Will  you  ? Will  you  ? ” 

Ladies  in  chorus : 


« Yes  1 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  225 

Each  lady  takes  the  arm  of  the  gentleman  facing  her, 
and  all  walk  off  to  the  music  of  the  wedding  march. 


WIFE  OF  SANTA  CLAUS 

An  Entertainment  for  the  Sunday-School 

The  Sunday-school,  school  or  club  is  assembled ; the 
stage  is  concealed  by  a curtain,  and  the  Christmas  tree, 
which  is  near  the  stage,  by  another  curtain  or  screen. 
The  tree  is  decorated  in  the  usual  manner,  minus  the  gifts, 
which  are  concealed  near  the  stage  ready  to  be  delivered 
when  the  right  times  comes.  The  tree  need  not  be  lighted 
until  the  closing  of  any  preliminary  exercises  that  have 
been  arranged.  After  lighting,  the  tree  should  be  exposed 
to  the  view  of  all.  When  the  children  have  gazed  at  it 
for  a few  moments,  the  superintendent  or  some  other  suit- 
able person  should  come  forward,  as  if  to  distribute  the 
gifts  as  usual.  He  should  survey  the  tree  attentively  and 
from  different  standpoints,  and  finally,  with  great  astonish- 
ment, exclaim: 

“Why,  what  in  the  world  does  this  mean?  What 
strange  thing  is  this  ? What  is  the  matter  with  my  eyes  ? 
\Rubbing  his  eyes  to  see  better. ] I can’t  see  ! As  true  as 
I live,  I cannot  see  a single  Christmas  gift  upon  this  tree  1 
Think  of  it,  a Christmas  tree  with  no  presents ! Am  I 
growing  blind  ? [ Rubbing  his  eyes  again.'] 

“Do  you  see  any?  [ Turning  to  any  child  near. ] 
Well,  I thought  so  ! It  is  too  true,  children,  that  although 
we  have  a Christmas  tree,  and  a fine  one,  too,  there  is  not 
a single  gift  upon  it ; no,  not  even  a little  one  for  a little 
bit  of  a girl ! Now,  this  is  altogether  too  bad  of  Santa 
Claus  to  forget  this  Sunday-school — when  we’ve  gotten  all 
ready  for  him,  too,  lighted  the  tree  and  decorated  it  so 
beautifully  ! It  isn’t  a bit  like  him,  either.  He  never  did 
such  a thing  before.  He  can’t  have  forgotten  us.  The 
blessed  old  Saint  wouldn’t  do  that ! Maybe  his  reindeer 


226  Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

are  lame  and  he  is  slow  in  getting  here.  No  ! He  would 
have  sent  Jack  Frost  on  ahead  to  tell  us  to  wait.  Let  me 
think  a moment.  It  can’t  be  that  any  of  you  children 
have  been  so  naughty  that  he  thinks  we  don’t  deserve  a 
visit  from  him,  can  it  ? No,  no,  that  cannot  be ; it  is  a 
mistake,  somehow.  It  is  very  mysterious ; I never  heard  of 
the  like  before — no,  never  — — 

“Well,  what  are  we  going  to  do  about  it,  anyway? 
Can’t  some  one  speak  up  and  explain  this  mystery,  or  at 
least  tell  us  what  to  do  to  celebrate  Christmas  ? ” 

At  this  juncture  the  sound  of  sleigh-bells  is  heard  at  the 
back  or  side  of  the  stage,  and  a loud  “Whoa!”  and  a 
shrill  whistle.  There  is  an  instant  of  bustling,  crunching 
of  ice,  stamping  and  pawing  of  feet,  then  the  door  bursts 
open  suddenly,  as  if  by  a gust  of  wind,  and  a nimble  little 
fellow  bounces  in,  clad  all  in  red  and  flecked  with  tufts  of 
cotton  on  cap  and  shoulders  to  look  like  snow.  He  wears 
a high,  peaked  cap  of  red  with  a bobbing  tassel  on  the 
peak,  and  carries  a long  thong  whip,  which  he  flourishes  in 
time  to  the  rhyme  he  chants : 


“ Ho  for  us ! hey  for  us ! 

Please  clear  the  way  for  us  ! 

I’m  Jack  Frost  from  Icicle-land, 
Driver  of  Santa’s  four-in-hand ; 
Though  late  you  will  ask  no  excuse.” 


With  a flourish  he  draws  back  the  curtain,  announcing 
“ Mrs.  Santa  Claus  ! ” There,  with  a mammoth  pumpkin 
standing  by  her  side,  is  seen  a beaming-faced  little  fat 
woman.  She  is  dressed  in  a fur  cloak,  or  fur-lined  circular 
turned  wrong  side  out,  an  ermine  poke  bonnet,  made  of 
white  cotton-wool,  with  black  worsted  tails,  and  an  im- 
mense muff  of  the  same.  She  steps  forward,  and  in  a 
dramatic  style  delivers  this  address  : 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

Mrs.  Santa  Claus’s  Address 

“ Good-evening  to  you,  children  dear ; 

I know  you  cannot  guess 
The  reason  I am  here  to-night, 

And  so  I’ll  just  confess 
That  I am  Mrs.  Santa  Claus  — 

Old  Santa  Claus’s  wife  ; 

You’ve  never  seen  me  here  before, 

I’m  sure,  in  all  your  life. 

“ So  if  you’ll  listen  patiently, 

I’ll  tell  the  reason  why 
Old  Santa  could  not  come  to-night, 

And  why  instead  came  I ; 

He  is  so  very  busy  now, 

Has  so  many  schools — you  see 
He  can’t  find  time  to  visit  all, 

And  deck  each  Christmas  tree. 

“ And  so  he  said  unto  his  wife  : 

‘ My  faithful  partner  dear, 

That  Sunday-school’s  expecting  me 
To  help  keep  Christmas  cheer; 

As  I can’t  possibly  reach  there, 

I’m  disappointed  quite  ; 

I know  that  they  will  look  for  me 
With  shining  eyes  so  bright ! ’ 

" I,  Mrs.  Santa,  thus  replied  : 

‘ Please  let  your  better-half 
Go  visit  that  nice  Sunday-school ; 

’Twill  make  the  children  laugh.’ 
This  plan  just  suited  Santa  Claus ; 

He  sent  Jack  Frost  to  drive ; 

He  knew  what  fun  ’twould  be  for  me 
Among  you  thus  to  arrive  ! 

“And  so,  lest  him  you  should  forget, 
That  blessed,  dear  old  fellow 
The  queerest  Christmas  gift  sends  you. 
This  pumpkin,  big  and  yellow ; 

He  hopes  that  when  you  cut  it  up 
You’ll  quite  delighted  be, 

To  find  the  inside  quite  different 
From  what  you’re  used  to  see. 


227 


228 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining 

“ Now  if  the  shell  is  not  too  hard 
I’ll  cut  it  open  wide, 

That  you  may  see  with  your  own  eyes 
This  curious  inside.  [She  cuts  it  open .] 

Ah,  yes ! we’ve  found  the  inside  now, 

And  so  present  to  view 
This  fairy,  who,  from  Wonderland, 

Has  come  to  visit  you.” 

The  fairy,  a little  girl  dressed  in  white,  with  a wand, 
and  wings,  if  possible,  skips  out  of  the  pumpkin  and  sings  : 

Fairy’s  Song 

(Tune,  “ Little  Buttercup  ”) 

“Yes  I am  a fairy,  a genuine  fairy, 

And  if  you  cannot  tell  why 
I’ve  come  in  this  pumpkin,  this  big  yellow  pumpkin, 

The  reason  to  guess  you  may  try. 

“ I bring  you  sweet  tokens,  yes,  many  fond  tokens, 

Of  love  and  sweet  friendship  true  ; 

From  sisters  and  brothers,  fathers  and  mothers, 

And  many  dear  friends  who  love  you. 

“ So  here  are  your  presents,  your  own  Christmas  presents, 
With  which  you  may  now  deck  your  tree, 

So  please  to  remember  the  bright  Christmas  fairy, 

The  bright  Christmas  fairy  you  see. 

“ I wish  you  4 Merry  Christmas,’  a real  merry  Christmas, 

And  also  a ‘ Happy  New-Year ; ’ 

If  you  love  one  another,  each  sister  and  brother, 

No  harm  from  the  fairies  you’ll  fear.” 

The  gifts  are  then  distributed  by  the  fairy,  who  appears 
to  take  them  from  the  inside  of  the  pumpkin.  Unless  the 
children  are  too  small,  and  likely  to  be  timid,  they  should 
go  forward  to  receive  their  gifts  when  their  names  are  called 
by  the  fairy,  who  apparently  knows  them  all  by  name, 
but  who  is  prompted  by  some  one  reading  from  a list 
standing  behind  the  curtain  close  by  her  side.  Jack  Frost 


Bright  Ideas  for  Entertaining  229 

whisks  about  helping  the  fairy  hand  out  the  gifts  and  as- 
sisting the  wee  ones  to  get  down  off  the  stage  with  their 
bundles  During  Mrs.  Santa’s  address  he  might  carelessly 
perch  himself  upon  the  pumpkin. 

The  pumpkin  is  made  with  a strong  wire  frame  (can  be 
made  at  any  hardware  store),  and  covered  with  a deep  yel- 
low cambric  with  an  occasional  green  smutch  painted  upon 
it.  It  is  in  two  hemispheres  and  is  tied  together  strongly 
at  the  bottom  and  loosely  at  the  top,  so  that  the  fairy  in- 
side can  easily  loosen  the  top  string  and  step  out  when 
Mrs.  Santa  cuts  open  the  pumpkin  with  a large  carving- 
knife. 

In  case  it  is  not  practicable  to  have  a pumpkin-frame 
made,  substitute  for  it  a gigantic  snowball  made  of  cotton- 
wool, covered  with  diamond-dust  to  sparkle  like  snow- 
crystals.  Two  large  old-fashioned  umbrellas  that  are  dome- 
shaped will  serve  very  nicely  for  the  frame  of  a spherical 
ball,  if  the  tips  of  the  ribs  are  wired  together.  It:  should 
then  be  covered  inside  and  outside  with  white  cloth  on 
which  the  cotton  batting  can  be  basted.  With  such  an  ar- 
rangement it  would  be  necessary  to  dispense  with  the  fairy, 
but  the  little  folks  might  have  the  surprise  of  seeing  the 
snowball  slowly  open  at  a snap  from  Jack  Frost’s  whip, 
disclosing  a nest  of  smaller  snowballs.  These  Jack  Frost 
might  toss  to  the  children  and,  when  opened,  they  might 
be  found  to  contain  candy  and  nuts. 


Index 


Page 


Acting  Proverbs 3 

Advertisement  Items 4 

All  About  Kate 4 

Apple  Social.  6 

April  Fool  Dinner 6 

April  Fool  Party 7 

Authors7  Contest 9 

Authors’  Guessing  Game 9 

Authors’  Verbal  Game 10 

“ B ” Sociable 1 1 

Barn  Party 12 

Baseball  Party 13 

Bean  Bags 14 

Bean  Sociable 15 

Berry  Guessing  Contest 15 

Bible  Contest 16 

Bible  Evening 17 

Bible  Names 18 

Bible  Readings 18 

Bird  Carnival 19 

Bird  Guessing  Contest 20 

Birthday  Party 23 

Bishop’s  Riddle 23 

Box  Party 24 

Cake  Sale 25 

Cake  Walk  (Novel  kind) 26 

Calico  Carnival 27 

Can  Factory 28 

Cat  Guessing  Contest 30 

Chestnut  Sociable 30 

Children’s  Birthday  Flowers 32 

Children’s  Birthday  Parties 32 

Children’s  Christmas  Party 34 

Children’s  Christmas  Tableaux 35 

Children’s  Easter  Party 37 

Children’s  Souvenirs 40 

Children’s  Sweet  Pea  Tea  41 


Index 


232 

Children’s  Tom  Thumb  Entertainment  . 

Children’s  Valentine  Party 

Chinese  Party 

Christmas  Costume  Party 

Christmas  Menu  and  Table  Decorations 

Christmas  Umbrella  Game 

Church  Bazaar  Suggestions 

Cobweb  Sociable 

Conundrum  Tea 

Cook  Book  Sale 

Cooky  Sociable 

Corn  Husking  Bee 

Dutch  Party 

Easter  Egg  Hunt 

Easter  Luncheon 

Easter  Sociable 

Fairies’  Garden 

Feast  of  Seven  Tables 

Feast  of  Nations 

Fish  Market 

Flags  of  Nations 

Floral  Love  Story 

Flower  Bazaar 

Flower  Guessing  Contest 

Flower  Luncheons 

Flower  Party 

Flowers  Illustrated 

Fourth  of  July  Museum 

Game  of  Nations 

Geographical  Game 

George  and  Martha  Tea 

Girls’  Names  Contest 

Golf  Luncheon  

Golf  Players’  Guessing  Contest  . . . 

Good  Luck  Party  

Gypsy  Fortune-Telling 

Hallowe’en  Box  Cake 

Hallowe’en  Games 

Hallowe’en  Party 

Hallowe’en  Suggestions 

Handkerchief  Bazaar 

Hatchet  Party 

Ice  Festival 

Inauguration  Day  Lunch 


42 

43 

44 

45 

47 

48 

49 

5° 

51 

51 

53 

53 

54 

55 

55 

57 

58 

60 

62 

64 

65 

66 

67 

68 

70 

73 

75 

76 

78 

79 

79 

81 

82 

83 

83 

85 

86 

86 

88 

89 

9i 

9i 

93 

94 


Index  233 

Independence  Day  Necessities 96 

Indian  Dinner  Party 97 

Indoor  Lawn  Party 98 

Initial  Characteristics 99 

Jack-O’-Lantern  Party 100 

Japanese  Card  Party 102 

Japanese  Sociable 103 

Literary  Contest 104 

Literary  Evening 109 

Literary  People  . . . . 1 1 1 

Measuring  Party 112 

Medical  Sociable 1 1 3 

Medical  Trunk  114 

Military  Sociable 1 1 5 

Morning  Glory  Fair 116 

Mother  Goose  Game 116 

Musical  Card  Party 117 

Musical  Evening  118 

Musical  Guessing  Contest 1 1 9 

Musical  Romance  119 

Musical  Terms  Illustrated 121 

Musicians  Buried . 122 

Mystical  Dinner  Menu 123 

Mystical  Party 124 

New  Year’s  Eve  Party 126 

New  Year’s  Resolutions . 127 

New  Year’s  Sociable 127 

Nineteenth  Century  Game 128 

Nose  and  Goggle  Party 129 

Noted  People 130 

Nut  Conundrums 130 

Nut  Party 13 1 

Observation  Party 132 

Old-Fashioned  Dinner 134 

Old-Time  Country  School 134 

Old-Time  Spelling  Bee 138 

Orange  Party 139 

Orange  Sociable 141 

Patriotic  Party 141 

Peddlers’  Parade 143 

Penny  for  Your  Thoughts 144 

Photograph  Party 145 

Pictorial  Geography 145 

Picture  Reading 146 


234 


Index 


Pictures  of  Prominent  Men  . . 

Pie  Party 

Pilgrim  Luncheon 

Ping-Pong  Luncheon  .... 

Ping-Pong  Party 

Pin  Party 

P.  O.  D.  Dinner  Party  .... 

Pop-Corn  Party 

Portrait  Game 

Poverty  Party 

Poverty  Sociable 

Presidential  Couplets 

Presidential  Questions  .... 
Presidents’  Nicknames  .... 

Pussy  Willow  Party 

Red,  White  and  Blue  Luncheon 
“ Riley  ” Entertainment  . . . 

Self-Portraits 

Seven  Days  in  One 

Shamrock  Luncheon 

Snowdrift  Party 

Sock  Sociable 

Spinning  Party 

Spinster  Tea 

State  Abbreviations 

State  Flowers 

State  Nicknames 

State  Sociable 

St.  Patrick’s  Day  Party  .... 
St.  Patrick’s  Guessing  Contest  . 

Telegram  Party 

Tennis  Sociable 

Ten  Virgins  (Sacred  play)  . . 
Thanksgiving  Day  Decorations 
Thanksgiving  Football  Dinner 
Thanksgiving  Sociable  .... 

Transplanting  Trees 

Tree  Guessing  Contest  .... 

Tree  Party 

Tree  Pool 

Trolley  Party 

Unique  Valentine  Party  . . . 
University  Luncheon  ..... 
Valentine  Entertainment  . . . 


147 

H7 

148 

148 

149 

150 

152 

*53 

J54 

154 

156 

156 

*58 

*59 

*59 

160 

162 

16  3 

i65 

166 

168 

169 

170 

173 

174 

i75 

*75 

176 

177 

178 

179 

180 

180 

181 

182 

185 

187 

187 

188 

190 

191 

192 

194 

*95 


Index  235 

Valentine  Fun 196 

Valentine  Party — Danish 198 

Valentine  Sociable 200 

Variety  of  Little  Misses  . . 201 

Vegetable  Party 202 

Wedding  Anniversaries 203 

Wedding  of  the  Operas . . . 211 

Which  is  Your  Age  . . . 213 

Which  is  Your  Aunt  (Ant) 214 

Which  is  Your  City  214 

White  Ribbon  Sociable 215 

Why  We  Never  Married 217 

Wife  of  Santa  Claus 225 


Ill'll .1.1 1 ■■;(!  YSIffiV®) 


